Gordie Graham spent decades building the Telegraph Cove Resort on northeast Vancouver Island into a thriving ecotourism hub.

He says he milled lumber for the project himself, transforming the tiny community that was once home to a sawmill and salmon cannery.

But in just one morning, much of that creation 91裸聊视频� founded with his wife Marilyn in 1979 91裸聊视频� is gone, consumed in a massive fire that destroyed the resort91裸聊视频檚 waterfront boardwalk and reduced centrepiece attractions to charred rubble.

Also lost in the fire was the boardwalk91裸聊视频檚 educational Whale Interpretive Centre, a museum that housed numerous specimens including a 20-metre fin whale skeleton.

91裸聊视频淭his resort isn91裸聊视频檛 just a business to us 91裸聊视频� it is our home, our history, and our legacy,91裸聊视频� said Gordie Graham in a statement issued by the resort.

91裸聊视频淢y wife and I are nearing retirement. We are devastated to witness our life91裸聊视频檚 work, which I milled and built with my own hands, go up in flames. While we are grateful that no one was harmed in the fire, we are experiencing one of our worst nightmares.91裸聊视频�

The resort said losses included the Old Saltery Pub, the Killer Whale Caf茅, Wastell Manor heritage house, offices for the Prince of Whales whale-watching business, and staff housing.

Fire crews were warning people to stay away from the popular tourism site where the fire erupted early Tuesday morning.

91裸聊视频淭his is a devastating loss to the North Island. Please stay away and let the crews work,91裸聊视频� Port McNeill Fire Rescue said on social media.

It said onlookers had gathered to watch the blaze on Tuesday morning, hindering crews.

The fire service said teams from the Alert Bay and Hyde Creek fire departments and Port Hardy Fire Rescue also worked on the blaze in the small community about 200 kilometres northwest of Campbell River.

The resort later said the fire had been brought under control, and the cause was under investigation. Alert Bay Fire Department said in a text message around 5 p.m. that the fire was 91裸聊视频渂asically out91裸聊视频� and crews were 91裸聊视频渇inishing up with the hot spots.91裸聊视频�

David Summers, Mount Waddington regional director for Telegraph Cove, said the loss of the Whale Interpretive Centre was a tremendous blow.

91裸聊视频淭hat whale museum, I mean, it was spectacular. It had the skeletons of every kind of whale and sea mammal and sea lion 91裸聊视频� people come from all over the world to go there,91裸聊视频� said Summers.

Summers, 72, said he also has many fond memories of working as a fishing guide in his 20s at Telegraph Cove.

He said the district was hoping for government help to rebuild.

Longtime Alert Bay resident Rob Campbell said the flames and smoke were visible from his community across the water from Telegraph Cove.

91裸聊视频淚t totally was like they were burning forest slash,91裸聊视频� Campbell said.

91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 a horrific loss, all the antiques and heritage stuff that was lost in the museum (there) 91裸聊视频� It91裸聊视频檚 devastating for the folks down there.91裸聊视频�

Telegraph Cove is a permanent home to only a couple dozen residents, but those numbers swell to hundreds during the summer tourism season.

Telegraph Cove Resort said no guests were on site at the time of the blaze, and the property was closed for the season.

91裸聊视频淭here is no access to the property and we kindly request that you do not attempt to enter the property for safety reasons,91裸聊视频� it said on its website.

The Alert Bay Fire Department shared video and photos of its battle with the blaze, saying they were first alerted to 91裸聊视频渟tructure fires at Telegraph Cove91裸聊视频� at 7 a.m. Crews could be seen fighting the fire from the water and later from the damaged boardwalk itself. Port McNeill Fire Rescue said that the fire had burned under the structure hours after it erupted, making it difficult to extinguish.

91裸聊视频淲e deeply appreciate the efforts of the first responders and the ongoing support of our community during this challenging time,91裸聊视频� Telegraph Cove Resort said in its statement.

Telegraph Cove was established to serve the commercial fishing and timber industries in 1912 but the Grahams turned it into a popular tourism destination, and a base for whale-watching and bear-watching tours, kayaking, fishing and camping.

91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 going to take years to rebuild what they had,91裸聊视频� Campbell said.

The resort91裸聊视频檚 statement said the Graham family 91裸聊视频渁cknowledges it will take time and support to recover.91裸聊视频�

91裸聊视频淭elegraph Cove has always been a place of connection and renewal. While today we mourn, we also look to the future with hope. My phone is ringing steadily with messages of support and community members checking in on us. We appreciate every message,91裸聊视频� said Marilyn Graham.