A small shopping mall in the town of Navarrese was struck by a morning fire that left the structure severely damaged. In the Egüés Valley, the fire swept through a wooden building known locally as the Octagon, a site that has housed several small businesses for more than 15 years. The City Council has determined that the building is likely a total loss.
The mayor of Valle de Egüés, Amaya Larraya, noted that the owners, who operated within the building, view the fire as a major setback for the region’s traders. The fire devastated a center that functions as a hub of commerce and daily life for local families.
According to Larraya, municipal police first spotted smoke at 14:24 and promptly alerted firefighters, who arrived to find the flames already spreading. The structure’s timber construction and a gas cylinder present on site accelerated the blaze, making containment more challenging and the fire spread rapid.
At this stage, the Provincial Police Department will lead the investigation to determine the fire’s origin and cause. Larraya stressed that when first responders arrived, the exact source had not yet been pinpointed, and investigators will work to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Despite the severity of the damage, Larraya expressed relief that there were no injuries and no people inside the building at the time. He cautioned, however, that the incident represents a terrible disappointment for a neighborhood that relies on the commercial activity generated by the mall.
Residents and business owners described the space as more than a shopping center; it has been a social and economic lifeline for the area for more than 15 years. The complex previously housed a bar-restaurant, a pharmacy, a hairdresser, a veterinarian, a multipurpose room, a laundry facility, and other small enterprises, all of which stood to feel the impact of the fire.
In the aftermath, the mayor met with several property owners to convey that the City Council stands ready to assist with any immediate needs. The council will assess the building’s condition and outline next steps as officials determine whether temporary accommodations or relocation options might be explored for affected tenants as part of the recovery process.