A fire has destroyed a major supply stop on Highway 39.
The Ponton Service Station is now considered a complete loss after a fire tore through the gas station and convenience store on July 28. Cross Lake First Nation owned and operated the station for the past two decades.
Two trucks caught fire behind the building at some point in the afternoon. The fire then spread to the store and station. Fire personnel and water bombers were called in to fight the flames.
The station is located at the junction of Highway 39 and Highway 6, about 150 kilometres away from Thompson, 100 kilometres from Snow Lake, 150 kilometres from Cross Lake and 220 kilometres from Flin Flon. The station was one of few locations along Highway 39 where travellers could stop and refuel and was a frequent stop for passenger buses.
While the building is now unusable, Cross Lake First Nation councillor Kenny Miswaggon told CBC that the station was insured and the first nation plans to rebuild after the fire.
No injuries were reported. The cause of the initial fire is not yet known.
