Goldsmiths Farm Market and Bakery in Thornbury says they count themselves lucky after a fire on their Clarksburg property Monday did not impact the market’s ability to operate.
They say in a Facebook post, “An equipment shed at our farm property (in Clarksburg about 10 minutes from the market in Thornbury) caught fire and was quickly engulfed. The smoke could be seen from the market, 10 km away and it was hard to watch- but in the hardest moments, our community came out for us.”
They say firefighters from the Town of the Blue Mountains contained the blaze.
The farm says no one was hurt, their greenhouses were saved, and their market, which sells fresh apples, produce, groceries and baked goods including their famous mixed berry and crumble crust Thornbury Pie remains completely unaffected.
Co-Owner Debby Oakley says in an interview with Bayshore Broadcasting News, the fire in the equipment shed was spotted at about 8:30 Monday morning while people were working in the area, and her father-in-law Brad saw the fire as it started to spread.
“He went to grab the fire extinguisher but it was too hot at that point, he couldn’t get it out so he switched to calling 911 and they responded very, very quickly but the whole building was quickly engulfed just within a matter of 5 to 10 minutes,” says Oakley.
She says Goldsmith’s Farm Market & Bakery is open as usual, and will not be impacted by the fire. They did lose most of their apple picking baskets, and other equipment but Oakley notes, neighbouring orchards have offered to help with basket supplies. They also lost day to day tools and greenhouse pot filling machinery and lawn care equipment and everyday farm tools.
Oakley says it was a relatively new building that was constructed where a century barn used to be until that barn was knocked down by a tornado about 15 years ago.
“The response from the community has been overwhelming for us. We have had so many calls and offers for help, just whatever people can think of, they say just give them a call,” says Oakley.
They add, “The pies are baking, the apples are crisp, and the market is open as always. To everyone who checked in, sent messages, and offered help: you lifted us when we needed it most. Thank you.”
Town of The Blue Mountains Fire Chief Stephen Conn tells Bayshore Broadcasting News the cause of the fire is undetermined, but it is not considered suspicious. He says it took roughly 15 firefighters with six or seven trucks about five hours to respond, knock the fire down and complete the call.
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