The Weather Network is reporting that the weather system which caused streets to flood and brought loonie sized hail to Moose Jaw on Friday was also responsible for the lightning strike which started a fire at the school in Stewart Valley on Friday morning.  The fire took place just one week before students were to go back to class.

The Chinook School Division says that the school building is a complete loss for the upcoming school year. Describing it as a devastating and traumatic loss, the school division says it will provide counselling and support to the staff, students and school families. As well, the school division’s Emergency Management Plan has been activated in order to determine where students will go to school this year as well as going forward into the future. There are 41 students impacted by the fire.

Statement from the Village of Stewart Valley

“Between 6 and 7 this morning our village was struck by a series of extreme lightning strikes. One of those struck our school, and community center. Portions of the complex have been totally consumed while other portions continue to burn. This complex was the center of activity for our residents of the village and the neighbouring community. The loss of this complex is devastating for all who utilised it. It is especially hard on the teachers and students who were preparing to start a new school year September 1. 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. I want to thank our village mayor and the other community members who saw the fire and took action. The village and surrounding community members who came to help, RM Fire Department, Swift Current Fire Department, farmers and others who brought trucks of water, and for the many contributions to food, coffee and water.”