Montpellier Shopping Center Fire: 1000 Evacuated

Fire at Montpellier's Polygone Shopping Center Leads to Mass Evacuation A fire broke out at the Polygone shopping center in Montpellier, France, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, around 11:00 a.m., causing the immediate evacuation of approximately 1,000 people. The fire, which appears to have originated in a single store, quickly spread, filling the shopping center with smoke. According to an eyewitness, "The smoke was incredibly thick; it was hard to breathe." The rapid response of firefighters prevented the fire from spreading further. All employees and shoppers were evacuated safely. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The Polygone shopping center management released a statement thanking emergency services and expressing relief over the successful evacuation. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of swift emergency response in densely populated areas.