Brookneal, VA - Campbell County fire crews are assessing the damage after a fire destroyed the Brookneal Milling Company Friday night. Crews first responded to the fire around 8:30 p.m. Brookneal Fire Chief Dean Guthrie says when they heard it was the milling company on fire, crews braced themselves for a long night.

"I just knew it was going to be a hot fire."

When crews arrived on the scene the entire building was engulfed in flames.

"Fire was coming out all over the area," said Chief Gunthrie.

The fire was so large, 10 different fire departments were called to help.

Residents and employees of the mill stood by in shock as the fire ravaged the building.

They say it’s another hardship to a community that is trying so hard to survive in the tough economy.

"We don't need something like that to happen around Brookneal. We're trying to renovate Brookneal. Every time we try to do something, something happens like this," said John Smith, resident of Brookneal.

Residents say the loss of this building will affect more than just their economy. The Brookneal Milling Company was a place the whole community gathered. It was also a symbol of hard work and strong family values.

The milling company has been in the Wydner family for three generations. And, Friday night they watched from their doorstep as 60 years of their family history burned before their eyes. The Wydner family lives across the street from the milling company. They are now trying to figure out how they move forward as a family.

"We'll never let go of this building or the structure or the history that goes with it. That will never go away. We're going to always keep that close to our hearts,” said Amanda Wydner, wife of Freddie Wydner.

The Wynder family says it's those memories that will preserve their legacy as family and the Brookneal community.

There were nine employees working at the mill who are now without jobs. While some have other part time jobs, others say they will have to file unemployment until they can find a permanent jobs.

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