BREAKING NEWS: FIRE in Hilstoric Downtown Hillsboro

Editor’s NOTE: Yes, I know I spelled it “Hilstoric” – I had one eye open writing this post but now I sort of #love my mistake- Sad news this AM.

UPDATE-MORE ONSITE VIDEO AND GO FUND ME HELP NEEDED FOR LUCIA ISABEL COLLECTION

WATCH THE UPDATE FROM MID AM- JAN 2nd- 2022, I mention Leita in this Film, Name Correction I am speaking of Lucia (Bautista Mendez) Nguyen

Lucia Isabel Collection Go Fund Me – Help Needs For This Local Family Who Lost Their Business In This Fire. Lucia Nguyen is a local person, just 24, and share worked 2 jobs for 3 years to be able to open this beautiful miracle of a dress and gown boutique! Let’s all rally around her and her family and donate to this very good cause!

   Although great efforts were made to save these beautiful dresses, the word has come from a family friend that it is unlikely they can ever be used.  Thanks to #HillsboroFire For all you did to save these works of art!

From Earlier On Jan 2nd As the Fire and Story Developed: This just in early this AM.  The buildings at /near the Weil’s Arcade in Historic Downtown Hillsboro burst into flames.  Crews from Hillsboro Fire, Forest Grove, and Cornelius Fire are involved in fighting the blaze that broke out at about 3:45 AM.  2 Blocks of Downtown Hillsboro are closed off as firefighters fight this blaze.  At this time we have reports the block is closed but the fires are under control.  Weichert Realty and Lucia Isabel Dress Shop appear to be gone, the suits above burned as well.  The owner is Jay Weil and his family who have owned the property for generations – over 100 years.  Weil’s Department Store was the first large store of its kind has roots back as far as 1895. The Hillsboro Pharmacy and adjacent buildings are reported as being ok, the roof of the main Weil’s building collapsed during the fire.

No injuries nor a cause of the fire have been reported so far. It appears the fire is now under control but boy oh boy— this is gonna hurt. The Herald has our offices across the street from this very spot. Gonna be sad not looking out at Weil’s anymore- not the way it has been for over 100 years!  Many prayers to Leita and her family from the dress shop as well as all of our friends at Weichert Realty who have been established there for a long time.

Firefighters have the bulk of the fire knocked down but still working to extinguish hot spots. Main closed between 1st and 4th. ⁦@TVFR⁩ ⁦@ForestGroveFire⁩ ⁦@CorneliusFire⁩ ⁦@BanksFire⁩ ⁦@PDXFire⁩ ⁦@MetroWestAmb⁩ ⁦@HillsboroPolice⁩ pic.twitter.com/KdmMdWqoXj

— Hillsboro Fire & Rescue (@HillsboroFire) January 2, 2022

Crews continue battling the commercial fire. Now a 4th alarm. Two blocks closed around the fire area. ⁦@TVFR⁩ ⁦@CorneliusFire⁩ ⁦@ForestGroveFire⁩ ⁦@MetroWestAmb⁩ ⁦@WashcoOregon⁩ ⁦@CityofHillsboro⁩ ⁦@PDXFire⁩ pic.twitter.com/8Msuq1m7BL

— Hillsboro Fire & Rescue (@HillsboroFire) January 2, 2022

A commercial structure is fully involved. Crews from @TVFR @CorneliusFire @ForestGroveFire on scene. Please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/OCzPFUbjpe

— Hillsboro Fire & Rescue (@HillsboroFire) January 2, 2022

Pics from the Tribune

More photos from this morning’s commercial fire in downtown Hillsboro. pic.twitter.com/ZvYGBsaU76

— Jaime Valdez (@jaimevaldezpmg) January 2, 2022

A commercial structure is fully involved. Crews from @TVFR @CorneliusFire @ForestGroveFire on scene. Please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/OCzPFUbjpe

— Hillsboro Fire & Rescue (@HillsboroFire) January 2, 2022

This is the very historic Weil’s Department Store that has burned up.  Our thoughts go out to Jay Weil and his family who have owned this building for 3 generations and right at 100 years.

Photo Album From The Day Of The Fire