Fire fighters from across central Vermont converged on a 150 year old family farm located at 532 Three Mile Bridge Road in Berlin to battle a massive house fire Wednesday night, December 26th.

The 150 year old Towne-Ayr Farm, owned by Brad and Rita Towne, his been in Brad's family for 4 generations. The farm was originally purchased by Towne's grandfather in the 1920's and was operated as a dairy farm. The home and attached barn were completely destroyed, being reduced to charred rubble.

Fire investigators confirmed the blaze was started when a skid steer sparked the flames which quickly spread through the dry wood structure within minutes completely engulfing the barn and spreading into the house.

The Berlin Vermont farm, originally a dairy operation, has evolved over the years into a horse farm with a dozen horses living in an adjacent barn. None of the horses or any members of the Towne family were injured in the fast moving blaze.

Insurance will cover losses, but can never replace the 4 generations of family memories, photos and mementos lost in Wednesday evening's fire.