An overnight fire has destroyed Blades Pizzeria in Shoal Lake, gutting the popular restaurant just weeks after the owners celebrated their one‑year anniversary. The blaze broke out in the early hours of Tuesday morning, drawing a rapid response from both Shoal Lake and Hamiota fire departments.
Gloria McLean, who lives directly behind the restaurant, says she and her husband were jolted awake around 3 a.m. by noise outside — but had no idea the building next door was burning until firefighters and a neighbour pounded on their door.
“The Shoal Lake Fire Department and Hamiota fire departments were there fighting the fire and I just want to say a big thank you to all of them for saving our house,” McLean said.
With only about three feet separating her home from the restaurant, McLean says the outcome could have been far worse. Her property suffered minor damage, including a broken window, foundation seepage and several destroyed trees, but no one was hurt.
McLean says she and her husband were regulars at Blades Pizzeria and are devastated to see it lost.
“We went there quite often… they had great pizza, and it’s just devastating to see the restaurant destroyed like this,” she said.
RCMP and fire crews remained on scene through the morning as the investigation continues. This marks the second Shoal Lake business destroyed by fire in the past month, raising concerns in the community.
More updates will be posted as information becomes available.
