A research station used to study climate change near Fort Simpson, N.W.T. in Canada, was almost completely destroyed by an unusually late-season wildfire last weekend. This is reported by CBC.

The damage to buildings and research equipment is expected to cost more than a million dollars, but the driving forces behind the Scotty Creek Research Facility have already committed to rebuilding it. The blaze burned five of nine buildings to the ground, destroying research equipment, lab space, sleeping accommodations and solar arrays.

The First Nation said it is a loss for communities that used the space for field courses, on-the-land camps and events, as well as for universities in Canada, the U.S. and Europe that it works with.

Kele Antoine, the chief of Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation (LKFN), said Fort Simpson's economy will also take a hit — since researchers have been a reliable source of income for the village's hotels, grocery stores and airlines.