The main administrative building and community complex at Canupawakpa Dakota First Nation, south of Virden, appears to be completely destroyed by a fire that broke out this afternoon.
Reporter Janelle Desrochers of the Reston Recorder rushed to the scene and stayed until everyone was asked by emergency officials to leave the area.
She says the entire complex was engulfed in flames when she left and appeared to be out of control. Fire halls from Reston and Virden attended.
Desrochers says she was told the fire began in a ceiling fan at the south end of the community centre. Everyone got out safely and no injuries have been reported. Construction work was under way at the east end of the complex.
The community centre serves several functions on the reserve. Its hall is where celebrations and meetings are held. There are offices which also are believed to have been destroyed.
There will be more information on the EmpireAdvance.ca website as more comes in.
