‘Things could’ve been saved’: Farmville family left devastated after fire destroys home

FARMVILLE, Va. (WRIC) -- A Farmville family is facing an uncertain future after a devastating fire destroyed their home last month, leaving them with little financial support to rebuild.

Barbara Goforth -- who lived in the home with her husband, father, and grandson -- said the fire broke out in the middle of the night on Feb. 13. The family had been relying on a generator for power after a snowstorm left them in the dark., but what started as a temporary solution quickly turned into a nightmare.

As the flames spread rapidly, the family had just enough time to grab their dogs and flee. Dressed only in their pajamas, they watched helplessly from their front yard as the home they had lived in for decades crumbled before their eyes.

Compounding the tragedy, a large fallen tree blocked the only driveway leading to the house, preventing emergency responders from arriving in time to contain the flames. Goforth said the family had contacted the electric company about the obstruction multiple times, including just the day before the fire. But the problem remained unresolved, ultimately contributing to the delay that left their home beyond saving.

"If the electric company would've cut the trees down, my house would not have been a total loss," Goforth said. "When the fire department got here, the fire was only involved on this end. It went across the roof, but things could have been saved."

By the time firefighters managed to reach the home, it was too late. The flames had already consumed everything, reducing the structure to little more than charred debris.

For Goforth, the loss is more than just material. She had lived in that house since she was a teenager, raising her family there and creating countless memories over the years. Now, all of it is gone.

"The place that was my sanctuary, where my family felt safe, is just gone," she said.

Her grandson, Adrien Rodriguez, shared the emotional toll the fire has taken.

"I felt like the whole inside of me was breaking second by second," he said. "Everything we had -- everything she worked so hard for -- just vanished in front of us."

Adding to their difficulties, the family’s insurance policy is covering only a fraction of the damages. Not only do they have to figure out how to rebuild, but they are also responsible for the cost of demolishing what’s left of their home.

"I don’t know how I’m going to put another house here," Goforth admitted. "My income is limited. I make decent money, but I have a family to take care of. I have a lot of people who depend on me."

Now, the family is relying on the kindness of neighbors, friends, and the community to help them through this challenging time. As they search for answers and resources to begin rebuilding, they remain hopeful that support will come their way.

For now, though, they are left picking up the pieces -- both physically and emotionally -- as they try to figure out what comes next.

You can donate to the family's GoFundMe here.