Fire breaks out at Southern Hill Farms

A fire broke out at Southern Hill Farms in the early hours of the morning Monday, Sept. 9. 

The Clermont Fire Department and the Lake County Office of Fire and Rescue responded to the fire just after 3 a.m. 

Photo courtesy of Southern Hill Farms

Southern Hill Farms representatives confirmed no one was injured in the fire.

However, the barn housing most of the farm equipment, including several tractors, farm vehicles and other equipment critical for farm operations caught on fire and burned to a complete loss.

Olivia Clark, communications director at Southern Hill Farms, said the cause of the fire currently is undetermined, but it is more than likely lightning struck the barn, causing the fire to spark. 

Southern Hill Farms previously closed in preparation for its 9th annual Fall Festival, which is set to kick off Sept. 28 and run through Nov. 17.

Clark said the gates will still open for the festival, but there will be a lot of work to be done to ensure the equipment and infrastructure are recuperated so the Southern Hill Farms family can get back to doing what they love: farming. 

"Southern Hill Farms is committed to moving forward and appreciates the community’s continued support during this challenging time," Clark said. "All we can ask for are prayers as we navigate these unprecedented times and support when we reopen for our festival."

Southern Hill Farms is located at 16651 Schofield Road, Clermont. 

For more information on Southern Hill Farms, click here or follow the farm on Facebook here. 

This is a developing story. Please check back for more updates.