POWHATAN COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Charred buildings and large piles of debris are what's left of the Hertzler Farm and Feed after a devastating fire left the beloved family-run farm in ruins on Saturday, April 12. Lauren Hertzler recounted the terrifying moment when her grandmother realized part of t he farm was on fire. “She looked out the window and she saw black smoke billowing out of the front of the store," Hertzler said. "By the time they got their shoes on and were out the door, the flames were through the roof.” Hertzler said the family raced to evacuate as many animals as they could before the flames spread. Sadly, a few chicks and the store's parakeets did not survive. Hertzler Farm and Feed after a fire on April 12. (Photo: Powhatan County Fire and Rescue)Hertzler Farm and Feed after a fire on April 12. (Photo: Powhatan County Fire and Rescue)Hertzler Farm and Feed after a fire on April 12. (Photo: Powhatan County Fire and Rescue) The business has been a pillar of the Powhatan community for 40 years -- so when residents learned that flames tore through the farm, they didn't hesitate to offer help. The destruction sparked an overwhelming wave of community support. People quickly signed up for volunteer shifts and, when those slots filled up, others volunteered to provide a meal. On Monday, April 14, people stopped by to help clear debris and sorted through the rubble to see what they could salvage. “I think everyone is here just to support them and show them lots of love because they've been paramount in our community for years and years," one volunteer told 8News. “One thing about the Powhatan community is that they will rally around this family and we're going to build it back better.” Hertzler Farm and Feed after a fire on April 12. (Photo: 8News)Hertzler Farm and Feed after a fire on April 12. (Photo: 8News)Hertzler Farm and Feed after a fire on April 12. (Photo: 8News)Hertzler Farm and Feed after a fire on April 12. (Photo: 8News) Hundreds of family photos and fine china were recovered. A team of ladies carefully cleaned each plate and cup as they helped to preserve a piece of cherished history. Alongside the farm, the family opened the Quarterfield Markets just a week ago to showcase over 40 local vendors -- but that, too, was destroyed by the flames. The exact cause of the fire is under investigation -- but Powhatan County Fire and Rescue officials said they believe the fire was accidental. 8News asked how the family is keeping their spirits lifted. "Just the energy from our community and our vendors from Quarterfield Markets," Hertzler said. "They can't wait to see us open again, and we can't wait, either. The excitement from the community has been what's kept us going." The family hopes to return to selling animal feed as early as next week. As they work to rebuild, the Powhatan community has started a GoFundMe to aid the family. Hertzler Farm and Feed also shared other ways people can help on its Facebook page. ...read more read less