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Editor’s Note: This report has been updated several times since first posted.

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NATICK – A 3-alarm blaze was reported at the Natick Community Farm overnight.

The fire was reported at 4:30 a.m. at 117 Elliott Street.

The Natick Community Organic Farm’s historic 1815 barn went up in flames, said the farm.

“A farm dog awoke the on-site caretakers, giving them time to call 911 and safely evacuate before the fire spread any farther. The entire structure was quickly engulfed,” said the farm.

“We mourn the loss of the three female pigs and thirteen piglets that were in the barn. But we are also immensely grateful that we did not lose more,” said the farm.

“We commend the work of the Natick, Wellesley, and Framingham Fire Departments, who acted quickly and bravely. They contained the fire to the barn, protecting the farmhouse and surrounding animal structures,” said the farm

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“The NCOF barn was built in 1815 by the Bacon brothers from local oak trees felled by a Category Four hurricane. Its timbers and planks were milled onsite, in a water-powered sawmill that stood across our stream, which is called the Bacon Brook. Throughout its 206 years, the NCOF Barn served as the heart of the farm for generations of farmers and families. It was so much more than a safe storage space – it was a place for mother animals to safely birth, for our students to learn, for birds to nest, for kids to make crafts on a rainy day. As a town-owned, non-profit farm, this barn has served as a community landmark and a symbol for the spirit of community that our farm represented,” said the farm in announcing a $400,000 GoFundMe campaign this morning, March 17.

To donate to the Farm, click here.

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By editor

Susan Petroni is the former editor for SOURCE. She is the founder of the former news site, which as of May 1, 2023, is now a self-publishing community bulletin board. The website no longer has a journalist but a webmaster.