Waterbury: Wallace Dairy Farm Fire Destroys Property, Kills Cows

A fire destroyed the Wallace family's historic dairy farm in Waterbury, Vermont, on Sunday. The barn, two homes were burned down and 23 cows were killed.

Officials said the fire started in the Wallace dairy farm’s milking parlor, but an investigation is ongoing, WCAX3 reported. The farm was being run by Rosina Wallace, 71, and her brother K. Alan Wallace, both of whom had homes on the property that were destroyed.

Rosina Wallace discovered the fire when she was returning from Easter dinner Sunday night. The barn was in flames and fire crews were battling the flames, WCAX reported. 

“It was heartbreaking standing there watching it and knowing there was nothing you could do to help them,” Wallace told the news station. “It’s just so much history.”

No people were hurt in the fire, and a family dog also made it out alive, WCAX reported. Crews had to tear down the remains of the home Monday.

Neighbors said the Wallace dairy farm was important to the community and often hosted visitors like school groups and others.

“Anyone who grew up in Waterbury has been here at some point,” Waterbury Fire Chief Gary Dillon said, WCAX reported. 

In 2016, the farm celebrated its 150th anniversary.

Dillon said the dry wood, hay, wood chips and sawdust all fed the flames and caused the fire to burn quickly, The Associated Press reported. There also were high winds in the area, and initially a lack of water.

“It’s holding me up,” Rosina Wallace told the AP of the support from community and family members who have been stopping by with food and condolences.

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