The Willey family is vowing to rebuild after a large fire destroyed its market early this morning.
The owners of Willey Farms turned what started as a roadside stand in the mid 1970’s into a grocery store and nursery covering six acres.
It’s been a staple in the Middletown-Odessa-Townsend area for 43 years. But the Townsend Fire Company got reports of flames shooting from the building shortly after 2 a.m. It eventually grew into a 5 alarm blaze.
Willey Farms marketing coordinator Donna Cavender said the market is part of the community and she’s heard from so many people - who like her - are devastated by the fire.
“So many people have reached out to say they’re so sorry and they want to know when we’re going to start rebuilding so they can come help,” she said.
Cavender said they appreciate all the support they have already received from the community.
“We are so grateful for all their support over these 43 years in particular and also this morning with the fire," she said. "We really appreciate their concern and their prayers.”
Cavender cautions Willey Farms has not approved any GoFundMe accounts.
State fire investigators are searching for the fire’s origin and cause. The Baltimore office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is assisting with the probe.
The assistant state fire marshal says the fire caused between $2-to-$3 million in damage.
