Family Vows to Rebuild After Losing Nearly 100 Farm Animals — Neighbors Rally to Lend a Hand
On Sunday, April 6, 2025, while the Nodes family of Barre Town, Vermont, attended church with their nine children, a fire broke out on their farm.
A Devastating Fire in Barre
On Sunday, April 6, 2025, while the Nodes family of Barre Town, Vermont, attended church with their nine children, a fire broke out on their farm. Within minutes, flames engulfed their barn on Lower Usle Road, collapsing the structure and killing nearly 100 adult animals and between 70 and 80 piglets. The family, who had moved to Vermont just two years ago to revive a long-idle farm, lost a significant part of their livelihood — and the dream they had worked so hard to build.
According to NBC5 News, multiple fire departments responded quickly, but the barn had already begun to collapse by the time firefighters arrived. “The entire structure was on the ground when we pulled up,” said Assistant Fire Chief Brian Dean of the East Barre Fire Department. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though faulty wiring or heating equipment are suspected.
The Nodes family had spent the past two years restoring the property, which had been dormant since 2018. Their farm had become home to pigs, chickens, goats, and sheep — many of them raised as part of their effort to teach their children to live in harmony with the land. “This was our dream,” Rachel Nodes said in a public update posted shortly after the fire. “We wanted to build something that connected our family to the land, and gave back to the community.”
A Community Rallies
In the wake of the tragedy, neighbors, friends, and strangers across Central Vermont have rallied around the family with donations, cleanup help, and emotional support. A GiveSendGo fundraising campaign launched shortly after the fire has raised nearly $24,000 of a $25,000 goal, with hundreds of donors offering money and kind words of encouragement.
But more than financial support, the family has found strength in the simple acts of kindness from the community. “People we didn’t even know came by to help us clean up, bring food, and check on the kids,” Rachel wrote in an update to donors.
One local group, the Barre Lions Club, is taking that support one step further — organizing a full-scale benefit event in honor of the Nodes family.
A Benefit with Purpose
Set for Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 2:00 to 8:30 p.m., the benefit will take place on the family’s own land at 89 Lower Usle Road in Barre. Organized by Barre Lions Club member Mark Tatro, the event will feature live local entertainment, food and refreshments, raffles, a silent auction, and an opportunity for the community to gather in solidarity with the family.
“This isn’t a tiered sponsorship situation,” said Tatro in a public invitation. “We’re just asking people to give what feels meaningful and right to them. Every contribution—no matter the size—sends a powerful message of support.”
Tatro emphasized that 100% of the proceeds from the event will go directly to the Nodes family and will be presented to them in person during the evening. “They’re rebuilding not just a barn, but a life. This is what community is about,” he said.
Rebuilding, with Help
Though the fire took a heavy toll, the Nodes family is already looking ahead. According to updates on their fundraiser and coverage by WCAX, they’ve begun clearing the site and planning the next steps. Some replacement animals have been donated, and neighbors have pitched in with feed, fencing, and labor.
“We don’t want pity,” Eric Nodes said in a recent interview. “We want to keep building what we started. But it’s incredibly humbling to know we’re not doing it alone.”
As Vermont communities continue to grapple with everything from weather disasters to economic pressure, the story of the Nodes family is a reminder of something deeper: that even in the worst of circumstances, compassion can be as enduring as the land itself.
How to Help
Attend the benefit: Saturday, August 23, 2025 | 2–8:30 PM | 89 Lower Usle Road, Barre
Make a donation: Checks can be made out to Barre Lions Club with “Nodes Family Fundraiser” in the memo line
Online giving: givesendgo.com/NodesFamilyFire
For questions or to offer support, Mark Tatro can be reached at 802-793-9598 or via email at Mark@Tatrosaces.com.