A popular pit stop for those headed to lake country was destroyed in a fire.

The blaze at the Christopher Lake Heritage Hotel and Bar was reported around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, with flames and smoke clearly visible from the highway.

It was tough to watch the building burn said resident Jeannie Rip who works down the street at the village office.

“It’s a great loss for the community. That building has been here for so many years. It’s just the local hang out.”

Volunteer fire crews from Lakeland and Buckland were still working to bring the fire under control Tuesday afternoon.

Despite their efforts the building was deemed a total loss due to high winds.

There were no reported injuries and a cause of the fire is unknown.