The cause of a cottage fire in Block 17 of Falcon Lake can't be determined. The structure was engulfed in flames by the time firefighters arrived Saturday evening and is a total loss.

Deputy Fire Chief Grant Fisette, from the South East Whiteshell Fire Department, says the trees surrounding the cottage were saved but were left a little charred. "We contained it to just the cottage. The boathouse back wall was a little charred but we managed to wet that down. Managed to save it, and the boat that was in it."

No injuries were reported, as the cottage had been empty since the fall, except for a crawl space heater. While there's no brush burning in the provincial park, fire departments are reminding people to take extra care in dry conditions.