Shoppers and employees at the Statesboro Mall were forced to evacuate Sunday afternoon after a fire broke out in the food court, sending thick smoke billowing through the building. The incident, which occurred at approximately 2:57 p.m. on February 2, 2025, caused a tense and chaotic scene, as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
According to the Statesboro Fire Department, the fire originated in the hood vent system of the Bourbon Grill, a restaurant located in the mall's food court. Heavy smoke was reported coming from the center roof section of the mall, prompting an immediate evacuation.
Workers in the mall described a scary scene with smoke being present inside the mall and firefighters racing in along with police officers telling everyone to evacuate.
Statesboro Fire Battalion Chief Lee Nessmith, who was the fire commander on the scene, ordered a full evacuation of the mall as firefighters worked to identify the location of and contain the blaze. Statesboro Police officers quickly cleared the building, ensuring that all shoppers and employees made it out safely.
Firefighters used the department's tower truck to access the roof, where they confirmed the fire was coming from the restaurant's vent system. Meanwhile, another team entered the interior of the mall and discovered a grease trap fire in the hood system at the Bourbon Grill. Thanks to their quick response, the fire was extinguished within minutes.
"The grease trap and hood system did exactly what it was designed to do—it contained the fire to that area," said Battalion Chief Nessmith. "There was no roof penetration, other than through the vent system, and the damage to the restaurant and mall structure appears to be minor."
After knocking down the fire, firefighters began the overhaul process, ensuring that all hot spots were fully extinguished. Hoses were removed, and cleanup efforts were underway as the mall prepared to reopen.
While the center section of the mall remained closed for several hours, officials expect the mall to be fully operational by Monday. No injuries were reported, and Bulloch County EMS, which responded as a precaution, confirmed that no medical attention was needed.
For many, the incident served as a reminder of the importance of fire safety systems and the quick actions of first responders. "It could have been so much worse," said mall employee who did not want to be identified. "I’m just grateful everyone got out okay and that the firefighters were able to handle it so quickly."
As the Statesboro community processes the events of Sunday afternoon, many on social media are expressing gratitude for the swift and professional response of local fire departments.