DALLAS, TX – A swift response from Dallas Fire-Rescue (DFR) contained a fire at Northpark Center mall this morning, prompting a temporary evacuation of shoppers and staff. The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 28, 2023.
Firefighters were dispatched to the upscale shopping destination, located at 8687 N. Central Expressway, after multiple 911 calls reported visible smoke emanating from the roof near a stairwell adjacent to the food court. Initial reports indicated a potential structure fire, leading to a precautionary evacuation of the immediate area and a comprehensive search of the premises.
Upon arrival, DFR crews located the source of the smoke: a contained fire within a trash receptacle. the blaze was quickly extinguished, preventing any significant damage to the mall structure. No injuries were reported among shoppers, mall employees, or responding firefighters.
According to mall management, the affected area is a designated break room for Northpark Center staff. While the exact cause remains under investigation, DFR officials have preliminarily determined the fire to be accidental in nature. The Dallas Fire-Rescue investigation unit, led by Captain Jose Garcia, is reviewing security footage and interviewing personnel to ascertain the specific ignition source.
Northpark Center, a regional shopping hub since its opening in 1966, features over 200 stores and restaurants, attracting an estimated 26 million visitors annually. The mall is owned and managed by Simon Property Group. The Saturday incident caused a brief disruption to business, but the mall reopened to the public within two hours following clearance from DFR.
