A sudden fire at Hulen Mall in Fort Worth on Friday evening caused chaos as shoppers were quickly evacuated while thick smoke poured through the skylights. The incident began around 7:15 p.m., triggering a multi-alarm response from local fire crews. Witnesses reported hearing loud cracks and seeing smoke billow above the roof, sparking concerns of explosions or structural damage.
Despite the frightening visuals, officials later confirmed that the smoke and noise were primarily due to broken skylights rather than any explosion or collapse. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported, and firefighters managed to contain the blaze within an hour.
Key Point Summary: What You Need to Know
- Incident Time: Around 7:15 p.m.
- Location: Hulen Mall, Fort Worth, Texas
- Type of Fire: Roof-level fire, smoke through skylights
- Evacuation: Entire mall cleared as precaution
- Injuries: None reported
- Fire Contained: Yes, within the hour
- Cause: Still under investigation
Emergency Response to the Hulen Mall Fire
The fire at Hulen Mall in Fort Worth prompted an immediate response from multiple firefighting units. The alarm was quickly upgraded from a two-alarm to a three-alarm as the situation escalated. Within minutes, first responders were at the scene, guiding hundreds of shoppers and employees out of the building.
Fire crews accessed the roof to suppress the flames and ensure that the blaze did not spread beyond the initial site. By approximately 8:10 p.m., officials confirmed that the fire had been brought under control. A full structural inspection is underway to determine any further risks or unseen damage caused by smoke or heat.
What Witnesses Saw and Heard
Several shoppers described the scene as “sudden and surreal.” One employee at a footwear store said alarms blared and mall security quickly started ushering everyone toward exits. Some reported hearing what sounded like glass shattering—later identified as the collapse of skylight panels due to heat or firefighting efforts.
Videos shared online show black smoke rising high above the mall’s roof, prompting concerns on social media. Rumors of explosions or a building collapse were swiftly debunked by emergency officials who clarified that only skylights had been damaged and there was no explosion.
Mall Temporarily Closed for Safety Inspections
As of now, Hulen Mall remains closed to the public. Engineers and fire officials are conducting thorough safety checks on the building’s structural elements and fire prevention systems. All mall activities, including store operations, have been suspended until further notice.
Authorities have not announced an exact timeline for reopening, but updates are expected once inspections are complete and the fire’s origin is officially determined.
What Could Have Caused the Fire?
The actual cause of the fire at Hulen Mall in Fort Worth is still being investigated. Initial reports suggest that the fire originated near or on the roof, but there is no confirmed ignition source yet. Investigators are considering possibilities like electrical faults, rooftop HVAC issues, or accidental human activity.
So far, there’s no indication of foul play or intentional arson, but all avenues remain open during the investigation. Shoppers and nearby residents are encouraged to report any information they may have witnessed.
How the Community Reacted
Local residents praised the efficiency of the fire response teams, many expressing relief that no one was hurt. Social media was flooded with messages of concern and support for the businesses affected. Some users even shared their own footage of the evacuation, showing calm but urgent movement out of the mall.
Several neighboring businesses temporarily closed as a precaution, and traffic in the surrounding area was briefly redirected. Fort Worth Police also supported fire crews with traffic control and crowd management.
What Happens Next?
Here’s what to expect in the coming days:
- Full damage assessment of Hulen Mall’s roof and interior
- Reopening timeline announcement based on inspection results
- Public safety updates and fire origin confirmation
- Support for impacted businesses and mall employees
Officials have stated they will keep the public informed with timely updates through local alerts and mall communications.
If you were at Hulen Mall during the incident or have concerns about the reopening process, share your thoughts with the Fort Worth city helpline or on official community platforms. Your feedback helps improve emergency readiness.