Berens River First Nation in Manitoba is grieving the loss of the community's arena in a fire on Thursday.

Smoke was shown billowing out of the top of the structure in a video posted on social media by resident Joyce Semple. The community is about 275 kilometres north of Winnipeg.

Spotting the flames after dropping off her grandchildren at school, Semple felt helpless. 

"The only place I could think of to call was the Berens River Band Office," she said.

"I called the secretary, when she answered a…