Early this morning, an inferno consumed key structures of Legend Hills Orchard and Farm Market in Utica, sweeping through the market, cider press, storage, and grading areas. According to a statement from the farm market on Facebook via The Columbus Dispatch news, the blaze, which broke out after 1:30 a.m., has tragically collided with the orchard's peak season, leading to the cessation of both the market and the ‘pick your own’ apple activities for the remainder of the season.
Thankfully, there have been no reported injuries from the fire, and owners expressed their gratitude for the safety of all involved, the swift action of emergency services, and the community support that began to pour in as news of the fire spread, this acknowledgment of support was echoed by Legend Hills Orchard owner Debbie Seibel in a report by ABC6, "We're so thankful that no one was hurt (and) everyone (was) safe," and adding "We're also incredibly thankful to the first responders who responded quickly and came to our aid, as well as the outpouring of support that we've received from the community and from our customers already yet this morning."
As farewell to the season that was not meant to conclude thus, Legend Hills has extended thanks to their first responders for their diligent efforts, and to their patrons for their prayers, understanding, and bolstering support during these challenging times, a sentiment captured by their Facebook communication and the reaction of more than 1,700 commenters who embodied the communal spirit, many recounting their storied visits to the family-run tradition to pluck apples amidst the colors of fall.
Despite the upheaval, resilience threads through the owners' response as they eye the future with hope; a statement on their website, referenced by NBC4i, harks back to the roots of Legend Hills Orchard tracing back to 1947 and cultivated by generations "It’s what we’ve always done. Our grandfather planted trees in the 1920’s and started the business," said co-owner Debbie Seibel, a lineage cum livelihood now singed, but not destroyed, as co-owner Susan Hatch asserts with a forward-looking eye: "We are going to rebuild and we will be okay."
