A small southwest village north of Swift Current saw its school heavy damaged by a fire Friday morning.

In a Facebook post, the Village of Stewart Valley stated that between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Friday morning, the village was struck by a series of extreme lightning strikes. One of those strikes hit the school and community center.

Portions of the complex have been ‘totally consumed’ while other portions continue to burn.

The complex served as the center of activity for residents of the village and the neighbouring community.

“The loss of this complex is devastating for all who utilized it, and it is especially hard on the teachers and students who are preparing to start a new school year on September 1,” the Facebook post said. “It is also a big loss for the Village and community who are not only faced with the question where will our children go to school during 22-23 but also thereafter.”

Multiple fire departments were on-sight helping fight the blaze.