TOWNSEND, DELAWARE (11/5/2018) Fire destroyed the Willey Farms produce market east of Townsend early today, authorities said.
The blaze at the landmark store at 4092 DuPont Parkway (U.S. 13) was reported at 2 a.m., said Michael G. Chionchio, assistant state fire marshal.
When Townsend Fire Company volunteers arrived, flames were shooting from the building, he said.
Chionchio said investigators from the state Fire Marshal’s Office are still trying to determine how the fire started. They are being assisted by agents from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
A post on the Willey Farms’ Facebook page noted: “Hi Guys. We’re all safe. The firefighters tried to save her. They worked real hard. But Willey Farms is gone. From the Deli thru to the greenhouse. Produce. Natural Foods. Home Accents. She’s all gone. We don’t know where to start really. Kinda numb right now. It will be lots of hard heartbreaking work. But she will be built again. We do know that. Thank you for reaching out to us. Thank you for being our customers and friends for 43 years. 💚 Thank you so much. Thank you for your continued prayers and thoughts.”
