BALDWINSVILLE — A fire that broke out Monday evening at Purpose Farm in Baldwinsville is believed to have killed at least 20 animals. The fire was reported shortly after 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22.
Purpose Farm is a nonprofit that connects children in crisis with rescued animals through hands-on mentoring sessions.
According to a post on Purpose Farm’s Facebook page, the fire began after a hawk knocked over a lamp in the barn. The post dispelled a rumor that Pete the peacock started the fire.
“We have video footage of how the fire started…a hawk got in the barn to prey on the smaller birds, and Pete heroically tried to save his flock by chasing the hawk out. Tragically, the hawk knocked the lamp off as he flew away, which started the fire,” read the post.
Pete and his fellow birds along with a couple of pigs and most of Purpose Farm’s goats were killed in the fire. Farm favorite Chris P. Bacon, a pig, suffered third-degree burns on the left side of his body. He was sent to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals to undergo surgery but passed away Feb. 24.
The fire also destroyed $5,000 worth of hay as well as other animal feed, tools, tack and the Seabrook family’s car.
Fortunately, many of the animals were safe inside the Seabrook home when the fire occurred, including the dogs, three pigs, and other small and exotic animals. The horses, donkeys, alpacas and camels were outside the barn and were not harmed.
How to help
To donate to Purpose Farm, visit facebook.com/PurposeFarm or purposefarm.org/donate.html. You can also send a check or money order to: Purpose Farm, 1454 W. Genesee Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13027.
The Seabooks are in the process of meeting with the fire marshal and their insurance adjuster to assess the damage.
By the end of the week, Facebook fundraisers had generated about $60,000 for the Seabrook family. Volunteers supplied the family with animal feed for the next few days.
“The Seabrook family would like to thank everyone for your donations, your kind words of support and your prayers. … Please be patient as the family takes some time to rest and regroup,” read a statement on Facebook. “Your offers of help are so greatly appreciated, but the fire department has stressed that the property is not safe for the public to come onto yet. As the Seabrook family comes up with storage solutions and develops a wish list of items needed, we will keep you all updated. … This is a terrible low point for Purpose Farm, but your kindness is lifting us up.”
