Heavy smoke forces evacuation of Fredericton shopping centre

Patrick Nelson’s attempt to enjoy a morning coffee with friends at a downtown Tim Horton’s came to an abrupt end on Monday, as they were forced to evacuate due to smoke.

“The alarm went off and we asked if we should leave, and they said yeah, we should leave,” Nelson said.

READ MORE: Another explosion reported at AIM recycling facility in Saint John

First responders arrived at the King’s Place Mall at 9:30 a.m. after smoke was detected in the mechanical room of a fourth-floor office space above the shopping mall.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Police, firefighters and mall maintenance staff worked together to clear the smoke and replace a broken window.

The cause of the incident remains unknown at this time, and firefighters are continuing to investigate.

WATCH: Investigators probe cause of blast at Irving Oil refinery

1:49 Investigators probe cause of blast at Irving Oil refinery

The incident caused the mall to be evacuated and had alarms going for over an hour.

Stores and restaurants that didn’t close for the Remembrance Day holiday have since reopened.