It was a stubborn, smoky fire,
firemen from Highland Park, assisted
by their counterparts from University
Park and Dallas, worked for about
two and a half hours, making little
headway against the blaze, which spread
from store to store through the attic,
protected from the firefighters by the
heavy red tiled roofing,
a half dozen shops were destroyed
along with a dentist office.
Investigators say they think the fire
began in the attic of one of the stores
just after 9:00 a.m..
One fireman was overcome by smoke but
was treated at the scene with minor
injuries.
The occupants of the menswear shop at one
end of the burned out building were
conducting a liquidation sale.
This was to have been the last
week of business at this location
for some people who have lived in this
area for a long time.
Today's fire was particularly
destructive.
By most accounts, this is the oldest
shopping center in the nation.
And today a bit of history was lost.
Doug Adams, The Texas News.