Fire crews quickly brought a commercial structure fire under control at Hulen Mall on Friday, June 28th, preventing a potentially widespread disaster. The incident, which initially prompted calls of explosions and a roof collapse, resulted in one person being transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Just after 7:15 p.m., emergency services were dispatched to 4800 South Hulen Street. En route, crews observed smoke, confirming the location was the Hulen Mall. Initial 911 reports mentioned explosions and a roof collapse, though investigators later determined these were likely caused by pieces of skylights falling.
Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke and fire conditions on the second level of the large structure as people evacuated. The Incident Commander rapidly called for a second and then a third alarm due to the mall's size and the potential for multiple casualties.
Crews initiated a swift attack, stretching long hose lines and deploying multiple ladders to gain quick access to the affected area. Their aggressive response led to drastically improved conditions within a short period. The third alarm was canceled before all responding crews arrived, and the fire was brought under control in approximately 45 minutes.
Investigators, after speaking with property officials, learned that repair work had been conducted on the roof earlier that day. Fire companies remained on site for an extended period to ensure all smoke was ventilated using a large truck-mounted fan and that the fire was completely extinguished. The official cause of the fire remains under investigation.