A landmark in the town of Cabri has been lost. Early Saturday morning, a fire completely destroyed the Cabri Hotel. 

The hotel was first built in 1912 and was considered a feature of the community and the surrounding area.  

The call about the fire initially came in shortly after 2:00 a.m. Saturday morning. 

Cabri Fire Chief Lindsay Higginbotham responded to the scene and turned off the gas. He then went inside to ensure everyone had evacuated from the building. 

"I'm pretty sure it started in the basement," offered Higginbotham. "I went to go in, and it was pretty smoke engulfed by the [time] we got here. I went to open the door to the basement and the handle was hot. I decided it was time to get out and make sure everybody else was." 

Firefighters worked to prevent the spread of the fire to surrounding businesses. An autobody shop across the street did receive some slight damage, including a window blowing out from the extreme heat. The damage to the shop was said to be superficial. 

The Hotel was a gathering place in the community, according to Cabri mayor David Gossard. 

"This was the local gathering point and watering hole," affirmed Gossard. "It was where we came to watch the football games and hockey games." 

Gossard talked about how it was where American hunters would stay in town during the hunting season, and that the younger people in town had taken to calling it the 'living room' due to how often they would hang out there. 

"It's sad," Gossard admitted. "The worst part is we know you can't replace a place like this now." 

The hotel, along with its bar and lounge, was owned by Wendy Johnson. She has been the owner for 21 years. 

"It's a terrible loss for the community," shared a heartbroken Johnson. "A terrible loss for everyone."  

Johnson was still in shock from the fire, and was beside herself with grief over the loss, but was relieved that nobody had been hurt during the fire. 

The building was three stories, with a bar and lounge. Residents had come out to share how many memories had been made there, how many family histories had been entwined with nights out at the bar, and how dearly it will be missed. 

Cabri is located roughly 67 kilometres northwest of Swift Current. 

--With files from Hayden Michaels