The school at Waterhen Lake First Nation has been decimated by fire.

Chief Blaine Fiddler says the fire started in the roof in the Industrial Arts department and shop of the 40-year-old school, but the exact cause is still under investigation.

He adds that the local volunteer fire department battled the flames until the Meadow Lake Fire Department could reach the scene, over one hour after call came in.

Fiddler says although everyone was evacuated safely, the community is devastated, as the school is the heart of the community.

“It’s a tragic day for Waterhen. Everybody has many memories in that building, and we’re looking to build a better school and hopefully make new memories.”

The building hosts school events, school dances, graduations, funerals, round dances, and community events with many of those in the area going to the school from their nursery and Headstart years all the way to Grade 12 graduation.

Fiddler says aside from a few computers and paper files, nothing was able to be salvaged, and he will be meeting with the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada to discuss options for rebuilding. He adds that students might be finishing their year online.

“We’re still trying to plan that out. (They might have to) finish it online. They only have two weeks left in the school year.”

Residents were asked to conserve water to help the firefighting efforts and local officials posted that once the water pressure built back up in the community there would be a boil water advisory until further notice.