Fire burns massive hole in mall

FORT WORTH, TX – A fire erupted on the roof of Hulen Mall Friday evening, prompting a swift response from local firefighters. The blaze, which began around 7:30 p.m., sent flames and smoke billowing into the night sky, causing alarm among shoppers and staff.

Firefighters arrived quickly, working diligently to extinguish the flames and prevent further damage. They focused on ventilating the building to ensure smoke could escape, minimizing the risk of spreading the fire. Despite the chaos, officials reported no injuries, a fortunate outcome given the mall’s usual Friday night bustle.

Witnesses described the scene as intense, with numerous fire personnel on the roof battling the blaze. Video footage captured by bystanders showed vivid flames and thick smoke pouring from the building, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Speculation about the fire’s cause circulated among onlookers, with some suggesting a malfunctioning air conditioning unit might be to blame. However, this has not been confirmed by authorities. Fire officials continue to investigate the incident, aiming to determine the exact source of the blaze.

Inside the mall, photos shared by the Fort Worth Fire Department depicted firefighters working to clear smoke and secure the area. The swift response helped prevent the fire from spreading to other parts of the building, a critical factor in maintaining safety.

The evacuation of the mall was executed smoothly, with shoppers and employees leaving the premises in an orderly manner. A nearby restaurant employee noted the absence of smoke in their establishment, but confirmed that the entire mall was evacuated as a precaution.

As the night progressed, the situation was brought under control, with firefighters remaining on the scene to monitor and address any lingering hot spots.