January 23rd, 2025
On January 3rd, 2025, a two-alarm fire broke out at 9 a.m. at a shopping center in northwest Dallas. Over 45 firefighters responded to the Dallas shopping center fire. The shopping center, Plaza Latina Bazaar, located on Harry Hines Boulevard, contained several small businesses. Many of the small businesses housed in the complex had operated there for over 25 years. Business owners hope to access the building soon to assess the damage.
Unfortunately, the fire resulted in the deaths of more than 550 animals, including small birds, hamsters, dogs, and cats, inside an exotic pet store. Although the flames never reached the pet store, thick smoke caused the animals to succumb to inhalation. Dallas Fire-Rescue crews saved animals, including a puppy, a tortoise, and pigs. A firefighter administered CPR, successfully reviving one of them. Firefighters fully extinguished the fire by 11 a.m. that morning. The blaze severely damaged the large, one-story shopping center, causing a partial roof collapse. Fortunately, no people sustained injuries. The building was sprinkled, effectively containing the fire in one location, saving the rest of the building.
Risk Logic can perform Property Lite inspections for commercial buildings, including strip malls like this one. Our risk engineering consultants offer specialized guidance to support all market sections for your insurance and broker business partners. They evaluate commercial properties of all sizes to identify potential risks and ensure compliance. Strip malls must follow specific codes determined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which aligns with NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. Please contact RLI to learn how we can help safeguard your mall or business.
