Residential Fire Engulfs Home in Hillsboro Amid Brutal Winter Conditions

Hillsboro, Mo. (KFMO) - Crews faced challenging conditions Sunday night as they battled a massive residential fire on the 12000 block of Read Lane, in Hillsboro.

Jefferson County 9-1-1 Dispatch received multiple calls shortly after 11:00 p.m., reporting a working structure fire. Snowy and icy roads, combined with subfreezing temperatures, created significant obstacles for responding crews. Upon arrival at 11:21 p.m., Hillsboro Fire Protection District Engine 5818 found a large single-story brick home fully engulfed in flames, with the roof and main floor collapsed into the basement. Crews arrived and began a defensive attack using multiple hand lines. Crews worked for hours to contain the fire, even pushing exterior walls into the basement to aid in extinguishing the flames. The fire was declared under control at 1:11 a.m. Monday morning.

No injuries were reported, but the cause of the fire remains undetermined. Road conditions posed additional challenges, as several fire apparatus became stuck at the scene.

Responding agencies included the De Soto Fire Department, Valle Ambulance District, Hematite Fire Protection District, Festus Fire Department, High Ridge Fire Protection District, and Jefferson R-7 Fire Protection District.