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Bradford barn fire has cost one family its entire livelihood

April 18, 2013   ·   0 Comments

It’s been nearly one month since John Morphet and his family scrambled to save 30 horses from a devastating barn fire that ruined their livelihood.

On March 20th, Morphet was left helpless as he watched his business burn to the ground.

“Over 40 years of my business life was in that barn. It’s hard to accept that its happened, but we’re taking it one day at a time,” he said.

The entire situation is still a shock for the Morphets, and unfortunately they’re reminded every morning of what happened, “Everyday, we come out here and see the remnants of the fire, it’s not helping us get over it and move forward with our lives.”

Morphet owns J-Mor Farms & Transportation, a family business specializing in horse boarding, but without a barn, equipment, and a riding ring, there’s not much business.

Before the fire, Morphet boarded horses for family members and friends, but now he can only house nine of his own.

“Of the 30 horses we had before the fire, we’re down to nine. I have no room for these remaining horses. I’m forced to keep them outside for the time being.”

Luckily all the horses were kept safe from the blaze, but it wasn’t all good news. Despite losing everything, the Morphets also lost three family dogs. “One of the hardest things to get over has been the loss of our dogs, they were a part of the family.”

The Morphet family has received tremendous help from family and friends, but the delayed rebuild of the farm has been frustrating for everyone.

Morphet has leased the property from Al Bonomo for the past three years, and they’re both disappointed with the standstill, “Al has been amazing throughout the entire situation. He’s been here almost everyday, working tirelessly to get things started.”

The Morphets admitted to being drained physically and emotionally, but they have no intentions on giving up.

“It’s hard, but we’ll get through this,” said John. “Once the rebuild is underway and the area is cleaned up, we’ll be good again.”

By Michael Tomasone

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