A family in Uxbridge says they’re devastated after one of their barns caught fire and burned down Wednesday evening.

Paul Brooks said he realized the barn was in flames while he was making supper for his two children, ages 7 and 8, around 5 p.m.

“No sleep,” Brooks told the Star early Thursday morning. “I’m fifth generation here, and my kids are sixth, so it’s been an emotional roller coaster losing so many valuable things to us.”

The Mount Albert farm he runs with his wife, Kelly, is known for its fruit picking, maple sugar festival and market visited by locals in the area. The barn that burnt down was a 150-year-old “party barn” used for storage.

At around 5:30 p.m., Brooks Farms took to Facebook posting: “Everyone is safe. Large fire at the farm. Can’t get to all the messages. Please spread the word we are all okay.”

Brooks isn’t sure how the fire started. The Uxbridge fire department says they will investigate the cause later Thursday morning.

Uxbridge Fire Chief Phil Alexander said the East Gwillimbury, Uxbridge and Stouffville fire departments all stepped in to help out.

“We were there till about 2 a.m. just making sure everything was contained,” Alexander said. “The actual building will be a total loss.”

The barn housed the farm’s four wheelers as well as a 1946 Willys Jeep used for seasonal shows. It had also been newly renovated for event hosting.

Some animals died in the fire, too.

“We lost about all our birds, they all perished in the fire, about 40 or so other pets,” Brooks said. “Our geese, our ducks, all of our laying chickens, and heritage turkeys.”

Their market will be open as usual Thursday.

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