The family behind Teva Farms is rebuilding after a fire destroyed their Hidden Valley home, but they say the support from neighbors and friends has helped carry them through the loss, according to InMaricopa.
Liza Williams said the fire started around 4 p.m. on June 30 while the family was tending lavender on their farm. Thunderbird and North Hidden Valley Fire Districts responded quickly, but strong winds pushed flames through the crawl space under the manufactured home. A second fire reignited the next morning, causing the remaining structure to collapse.
Williams said the family had already accepted that keepsakes and belongings could not be saved. In the aftermath, neighbors rescued the family’s chickens, another brought an RV for them to live in, others offered to help clear debris, and Will Williams’ coworkers at the Phoenix Fire Department organized a GoFundMe.
While the home was lost, the lavender farm survived. Williams said the greenhouse containing thousands of young plants was close to the house and damaged by heat, but the lavender was not destroyed. She said caring for the farm, livestock and daily chores has given the family purpose as they wait to clear the rubble and begin rebuilding.
Williams said the family hopes to return the kindness they have received once they are back on their feet. For now, she said, they are focused on moving forward with faith and gratitude.
