Update Monay 11:29 am
The school on Waterhen Lake First Nation has been completely destroyed by a fire.
The school caught fire Tuesday afternoon and officials from the First Nation put out a statement Wednesday morning where they say they expect the school cannot be salvaged.
In the statement, the First Nation says they have contacted Indigenous Services Canada and the Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister for immediate support.
They also say they believe the fire could have been prevented as they have lobbied for a new school for many years.
No one was harmed in the fire.
The following is the statement released Monday morning by Waterhen Lake First Nation.
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Previous reporting:
The school on Waterhen Lake First Nation caught fire on Tuesday afternoon.
According to a social media post by the First Nation, emergency crews continue to battle the blaze with help from the Meadow Lake Fire Department.
The band says the fire started in the school’s industrial arts room roof and everyone was evacuated safely.
“It’s a sad day for the community,” the post read.
The latest update, posted late Tuesday night, says the roads around the school have been closed and the First Nation has asked residents to conserve water use so crews can better fight the fire.
The First Nation says they will release more information as it becomes available.
(Photo courtesy Sharlene Fiddler – Facebook)