The fire in Culpeper left a community stunned.

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

A well-known Virginia family is beginning the long process of rebuilding after a devastating fire tore through their home, destroying almost everything they owned.

Tyler and Winona Pritts, along with their sons Connor, 13, and Jackson, 11, lost their home and all of their belongings in the Culpeper blaze on Thursday, Oct. 16. 

The family is safe, and together — something the matriarch says is what matters most.

“Unfortunately, our family experienced a house fire," she said. “We are incredibly grateful that everyone is safe and together, that’s what matters most."

Pritts thanked friends, neighbors, and coworkers who stepped in to help immediately after the fire, bringing shoes, water, clothes, and comfort to the family as firefighters battled the flames. 

“Our plan is to rebuild over the next 12–14 months, and while it’s a long road, we are taking it one day at a time and are so grateful to still have each other,” she said.

Tyler Pritts serves the Commonwealth as a correctional officer for the State of Virginia, loved ones said. Winona dedicates her career to supporting small businesses and farms through Culpeper County’s local government. 

She also serves as Chair of the Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals and sits on the board of Career Partners, helping connect local students with career opportunities.

The Pritts family is known throughout the community for giving back — volunteering their time, energy, and leadership to make Culpeper stronger. 

That’s why neighbors and local businesses are looking to pick the family up.

"The Pritts family has always given back to others, volunteering their time, energy, and hearts to make Culpeper a better place," organizers of a GoFundMe set up for the family said. "Now, it’s our turn to support them as they navigate this difficult chapter."

Bees & Trees Farm shared a call to action on social media. 

“If you have ever participated in the Culpeper County Harvest Days Farm Tour, then you have enjoyed the fruits of Winona’s work," they posted. 

"She is the wizard behind the curtain for the whole tour and she’s the kind of person who would drop what she’s doing to help you with anything you need — and anytime you need it.”

Mountain Run Winery echoed that sentiment, announcing a special fundraiser to support the family as they rebuild. 

“Chances are if you've visited an event that is going on around Culpeper, you've run into one of the Pritts,” the post read. “To help them on their road to recovery, Strong Arm Media and Kim Atkins Photography are teaming up to offer a mini-session fundraiser all day Sunday, Nov. 2 at the winery. All proceeds will go directly to the family.”

Community members have also organized a GoFundMe campaign to assist the family with essentials like food, clothing, and living expenses as they work to rebuild their lives.

More than $3,400 had been raised within days of the fire.

"The family is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, prayers, and kindness they’ve already received from friends, neighbors, and coworkers," organizers wrote. "Every donation, no matter the size, helps them move one step closer to restoring a sense of normalcy and home." 

The fundraiser can be found here.

"Losing our home and all of our belongings has been overwhelming," the family said. But we’ve been so uplifted by the outpouring of love and support we’ve received.