About 70 people lost their homes following a fire in a building on the Thunderchild First Nation on Monday.

An estimated 17 families were living in a former school dormitory on the reserve, which is south of Meadow Lake, Sask., near Turtleford.

One person, who did not live in the complex but was on the scene trying to fight the blaze, was treated for smoke inhalation.

Aaron Ledoux, the bands director of public works, told CBC News Tuesday that the community is scrambling to help the people who lost their homes.

"Number one is that we want to look after our community members and number two we want to make sure everybody's safe," Ledoux said.

The building that burned was a former site for technical training for trades, such as welding, and included living spaces.

There was no word on the cause.