Francis community rallies after local businesses go up in flames

A fire in Francis destroyed two businesses. Photo: GoFundMe

FRANCIS, Utah — A structure fire Thursday morning destroyed two family-run businesses on Spring Hollow Road in Francis, and the community is rallying in support.

Frontier Woodworks, owned by Dusty Hatch, has served the community for 30 years with handcrafted doors and millwork. His daughter, Sydney Thompson, ran the neighboring Farmhouse Flowers & Gifts, which was also lost in the fire.

Just hours after the event, the community began a GoFundMe campaign to help with immediate recovery needs. The fundraiser has raised $16,800 of its $50,000 goal, with 117 donations so far. The money will go toward “replacing lost tools, covering temporary business expenses, and keeping the dream alive while the shop gets back on its feet,” according to the page. “Every donation, no matter the size, helps show that this community stands together.”

Fire crews from South Summit, Park City, and the Wasatch Fire District, responded to the fire around 9:30 a.m. While no one was injured in the event, officials said both businesses are at a total loss. The blaze took about an hour and a half to extinguish, but responders were able to save the surrounding structures. 

While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, the outpouring of support reflects the strength of the tight-knit Francis community.