Police say they evacuated the mall as a precaution.
There are no reports of injuries.
The smoke was first reported inside the Victoria Secret store. The source of the smoke was extinguished and the shoppers were allowed back into the mall.
People who were inside or near the mall at the time of the evacuation posted messages to social media about what was happening:
I'm at Menlo park mall and all of a sudden people started running to the exists in mass. Police everywhere
— La Reina Emperatriz (@Frostbite___) December 18, 2015
Seems to be a spot of trouble at Menlo Mall. Fire alarm, emergency vehicles, blocked off the entrances. Helicopter overhead.
— Alexander Cole (@Al3xCole) December 18, 2015
Sooooo they just evacuated Menlo Mall 👀👀 traffic is ridiculous
— JANEE' (@prettygurljanee) December 18, 2015
So I'm stranded outside Menlo mall. No way in and no way out ðŸ˜
— Kelly B. (@ohsnapkelly) December 18, 2015
There is no word on the cause of the smoke.