Fire Destroys Iconic Burger Joint
On the hottest day of the year, firefighters and police from University Park, Highland Park, SMU, and Dallas spent hours fighting to control a fire that eventually consumed Goff’s Hamburgers on Hillcrest Avenue near SMU on Friday Aug. 12.
NBC 5 reported that smoke was seen billowing from the University Park institution around 1 p.m. Shortly before 7 p.m., the city of University Park tweeted that the fire was controlled, but that a portion of Hillcrest Avenue near the fire scene would remain blocked throughout the night.
As of 11 a.m., the city of University Park announced that Hillcrest is now open to traffic.
However, several surrounding businesses were evacuated and have been closed until further notice due to heavy damages sustained during the fire.
Both Goff’s and the business directly to the north were destroyed, according to UP spokesperson Steve Mace.
“We don’t know the full extent of the damage, but many businesses in that strip are likely to have water and smoke damage,” Mace said.
Around 11 p.m. Friday, the city collapsed Goff’s to allow crews to dose any remaining hot spots, according to UP. NBC5 reports that crews will be tearing down the building throughout the day and tomorrow.
Due to extreme temperatures, Mace said firefighters had to work shorter shifts. At least two were put on IVs for heat exhaustion. HPPD Lt. Lance Koppa sent out a statement at 7:45 p.m. saying no injuries had been reported.
Analysis of the cause of fire is expected in the next few days.
Reporting done by Britt E. Stafford
