Powhatan County, Va. — A beloved community staple, Hertzler Farm and Feed, was left in ruins following a catastrophic fire on Saturday, April 12. The fire, which destroyed much of the farm’s buildings, has prompted an outpouring of support from local residents, determined to help the family rebuild.
Lauren Hertzler, a member of the farm’s ownership family, recalled the moment the fire was first noticed. Her grandmother, who was inside the farmhouse, saw the smoke rising from the store. “She looked out the window and saw black smoke billowing out of the front of the store,” Hertzler said. “By the time they got their shoes on and were out the door, the flames were through the roof.”
The family quickly sprang into action, trying to evacuate as many animals as they could. Tragically, some of the farm’s inhabitants, including chicks and parakeets in the store, did not survive the blaze. The fire, which caused extensive damage to the farm’s structures, also destroyed the recently opened Quarterfield Markets, a venue that had showcased over 40 local vendors just a week before the disaster.
Hertzler Farm and Feed has been a cornerstone of Powhatan County for 40 years. Known for its commitment to providing animal feed and other goods to the community, the farm has built a loyal customer base. When word of the fire spread, residents wasted no time in offering their support.
Volunteers began signing up to help clear the wreckage, with additional members of the community providing meals for those working to recover what they could from the site. “I think everyone is here just to support them and show them lots of love because they’ve been paramount in our community for years and years,” said one volunteer. “One thing about the Powhatan community is that they will rally around this family, and we’re going to build it back better.”
Among the recovered items were hundreds of family photos and delicate fine china. Volunteers carefully cleaned each piece, preserving a piece of the family’s history for future generations. The overwhelming generosity shown by the Powhatan community has been a lifeline for the Hertzler family as they begin to navigate the road to recovery.
While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, Powhatan County Fire and Rescue officials believe the blaze was accidental. Despite the tragic loss, the family has maintained a hopeful outlook, thanks in part to the support of their community. “Just the energy from our community and our vendors from Quarterfield Markets,” said Hertzler. “They can’t wait to see us open again, and we can’t wait, either. The excitement from the community has been what’s kept us going.”
The Hertzler family hopes to resume selling animal feed as early as next week. To support the farm’s recovery, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched, and the farm’s Facebook page provides further details on how people can help.
As they work tirelessly to rebuild, the Hertzler family is reminded of the strength of their community — a strength that will no doubt help them rise from the ashes of this devastating loss.
