A family-owned business is putting back together the pieces after much of their northeastern Saskatchewan resort was destroyed by fire early Thursday morning.

For decades, Bloomfield’s Resort has been a popular stopover spot for travellers heading up the Hanson Lake Road between Smeaton and Flin Flon.

The business is located on Ballantyne Bay near the community of Deschambault Lake.

It had been one of the few places along Highway 106 to get food, gas and other supplies.

However, because of the fire, the store, motel, restaurant and garage are now gone.

Samantha Bloomfield said the fire and its aftermath have been particularly difficult for her father Gary.

“He’s shocked,” she said. “He’s obviously quite upset and he’s quite distraught. This is a man who has literally devoted his whole life to the business. He doesn’t go on vacation or anywhere. This is his life. And for something like this to happen, it’s very, very devastating.”

At the same time, Bloomfield said the outpouring of community support since the fire has been phenomenal.

“It is amazing the response we have gotten from not only our fishing community but the locals, from everyone. Somebody started a Go Fund Me page, the messages, the phone calls, everything. The support that we have right now is absolutely astonishing.”

Bloomfield said 16 cabins, located away from the road and not affected by the fire, are still available for rent.

No one was injured and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

She said the family plans to rebuild.

(PHOTO: Most of Bloomfield’s Resort was destroyed by fire early Thursday morning. Photo courtesy Samantha Bloomfield.)