Grower Direct Farms, a greenhouse operation in Somers, CT, is still recovering from a fire that took place over the weekend. According a story on Fox61.com, Over 20 agencies responded as the fire elevated to a third alarm overnight. Responding fire departments came from Tolland and Hartford Counties, and Connecticut State Police and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection also responded.
Strong winds and a lack of immediate access to water posed challenges, officials said.
“The dedication and teamwork displayed by our firefighters and mutual aid partners was incredible,” said Somers Fire Chief David Lenart. “Faced with strong winds and limited water supply, they overcame significant challenges to stop this fire.”
Grower Direct Farms posted the following message on its Facebook page on Sunday, March 9:
“On the evening of Friday, March 7, our greenhouse facility experienced a devastating fire that has left us facing a challenging road ahead. But in the midst of this tragedy, we have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of support and kindness from so many people, and while words will fall short, we want to try to express our deepest gratitude.
First and foremost, thank you to the incredible Somers Fire Department, the neighboring town fire departments, services and agencies that responded. We owe an immense debt to every single firefighter who braved extreme conditions — limited water supply, freezing temperatures, and strong winds — to attack this massive fire and get it under control. Their bravery, selflessness, and dedication to protecting lives and livelihoods is nothing short of heroic. We are truly honored and humbled by their efforts. We are especially grateful that no one was seriously injured while putting out the fire and we pray for a quick recovery for the firefighter who did sustain an injury.
A very special thank you to Jarmoc’s Weedy Acres Farm Stand and the extended Jarmoc family, who answered our urgent call in the middle of the night and came with much-needed equipment, working alongside us for hours to mitigate the damage. We are so grateful for your generosity.
Our sincerest thanks to Northern Tree Service for using their equipment to spread out wood chips and peat moss so that smoldering fires could be put out avoiding more destruction.
We are incredibly thankful to those who provided food, beverages, and moral support especially the Milikowski family and Dr. Salva for feeding all of those who were battling the fire. Your presence and encouragement lifted our spirits more than words can say.
We are also deeply grateful to the agencies that provided their expertise and resources, lending their support in our time of need.
Finally, to all who sent messages of encouragement, prayed for us and reached out to offer support — we are profoundly grateful for your love and kindness. The outpouring of support from our employees, friends, and the greater Somers community has helped us find hope and strength during this incredibly difficult time.
We are committed to rebuilding even better and stronger than before. As we begin that hard work, we do so knowing that we have the support of our community behind us. We are grateful to be part of such a strong, caring community. We hope to give back as generously as was given to us as we rebuild and recover.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Grower Direct Farms and the VanWingerden, Smith, Monticue and Horn Families”
Grower Direct Farms is #26 on Greenhouse Grower’s 2024 Top 100 Growers list with more than 2.1 million square feet of controlled-environment production.
