BENTLEY, ALBERTA, CANADA — A fire that completely destroyed a historic grain elevator in Bentley, Alberta, Canada was still smoldering five days later, according to Rimbey Review.

The fire at the Bentley Grain Elevator was reported at 1:30 am on Dec. 23, according to an information bulletin from the Town of Bentley. It was still smoldering as of Dec. 28.

Bentley Chief Administrator Officer Marc Fortais asked in the bulletin for residents to conserve water usage as the fire was expected to “burn for some time” and it was utilizing significant water volumes.

The Bentley and Lacombe fire departments responded immediately but the fire engulfed the grain elevator quickly and efforts focused on containment to ensure the fire didn’t spread.

The cause of the fire is still unknown. No injuries were reported.  

The cold, with wind chills of -50 degrees Fahrenheit, was a factor for firefighters. Frequent breaks were necessary, and the water could not go as far.

The historic elevator was decades old and still in use, most recently by Healthy Herds, a privately owned, family operated feed company.