Rebuild Burke Ridge Farm: Community's Call

Help the Burke Family Rebuild After Devastating Fire

On the afternoon of July 25, tragedy struck the Burke family of Burke Ridge Farm on Niederwerfer Road in South Windsor. A lightning strike ignited their beloved farmhouse, and within minutes, the fire spread room by room. Despite the quick response of firefighters, there are no fire hydrants within 3000 feet of the home and the flames overtook the home — leaving behind nothing but ashes and heartbreak.

The Burkes lost everything — clothes, memories, keepsakes — and most painfully, their cherished dog Twist and their family cats. They escaped with only the clothes on their backs.

This would be an unimaginable blow for any family. But for the Burkes, it’s even more complicated. As a fifth-generation working farm, Burke Ridge is home to nearly 200 cows who still need care, feeding, and milking — no matter the crisis. Even as the fire raged, members of the family worked to secure the animals and continued serving at their farm ice cream stand. That’s just who they are.

The Burkes are the kind of people you want in your community: salt-of-the-earth, hardworking, humble. After years of challenges, they’ve fought hard to find stability — to protect their land, their legacy, and their family business. And now, they’re starting over from scratch.

They need our help.

This is our chance as a community to show what we’re made of. To step up and help rebuild not just a home, but a cornerstone of South Windsor’s farming community. Every donation — no matter the size — makes a difference. Let’s help the Burkes heal, rebuild, and continue the work they love on the land they’ve cared for for generations.

Please give what you can and share this with others who care.