RED DEER – The top section of the 90-year-old Michener Centre Administration Building was destroyed on June 19 after the structure was struck by lightning.

Two AUPE members, a janitor and a switchboard operator, were in the building at the time of the blaze, but both escaped unhurt.

The provincial historical site was struck by lightning at about 6 p.m., the Red Deer Advocate reported.

More than 60 firefighters fought the blaze. No injuries were reported.

Red Deer Emergency Services personnel, joined by firefighters from Red Deer County, the Michener Centre fire department and Safety Boss Inc., attacked the blaze, which continued well into the night before it was finally put out, the Advocate said.

The building opened in 1913 as the Presbyterian Ladies College. In 1917, it was converted into a hospital, housing shell-shocked and injured Canadian soldiers who fought in the First World War.

About 375 physically and mentally challenged people live elsewhere at Michener Centre.

Staff members were told to report for work to another building on the site, the Advocate said.

Photos by Russell Clark.