Natick Community Organic Farm Seeks $400K After Fire

NATICK, MA — A fundraiser for the Natick Community Organic Farm is seeking to raise $400,000 after a fire early Wednesday morning destroyed a barn and killed several animals.

The fire broke out around 4:30 a.m. at the Elliot Street property. A farm dog, Eddy, alerted caretakers to the blaze, according to a post on the farm's Facebook page. At least three pigs died in the fire, and the farm's 1815 barn was destroyed.

"At approximately 4:30 a.m. NCOF’s beautiful 1815 barn was totally consumed by fire. Three sows were lost. No humans were hurt, except in their hearts," the post said.

The farm will be closed until at least Monday as the Natick Fire Department investigates the fire. Farm administrator Trish Umbrell set up the GoFundMe fundraiser just hours after the flames were put out.

"The loss of our barn and the 16 animal lives that went with it has left our farm community shocked and reeling," Umbrell said. "We have lost not only a centrally important building, but also many tools and wheelbarrows, our animal grain and hay, and many of this year’s seedlings. Despite these losses, we still have the heart of our organization, the core that keeps us standing: our beloved community. We turn to you now to ask for your help and support as we heal and move forward. Funds will be used for operational and construction purposes."

The farm had raised close to $95,000 by Wednesday afternoon.

The farm produces products like vegetables, meat and maple syrup for sale. The farm also provides programming for the public and local schools, and a summer paid work program for teens.

The farm posted this video of firefighters working to put out the fire: