Investigators in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, confirmed the Christmas night fire that destroyed the Salvation Army building was human-caused, with fires started in multiple locations.
Investigation into Fires at Salvation Army Building
Investigators from the Prince Albert Fire Department have found that multiple human-caused fires destroyed the Prince Albert Salvation Army building on Christmas night.
“Now our findings are turned over to police, in terms of where we’ve located the fires and what the cause of the fires were,” said fire department Deputy Chief Alex Paul on Tuesday.
“Then the police will take it forward to see if they can follow up and find out who was responsible for it.”
Details of the Incident
The Salvation Army reported that its community services building at 900 Central Ave. is a total loss after the fire, which started around 8 p.m. on December 25.
On Monday, two Prince Albert Fire Department investigators and an independent investigator, hired by the building’s insurance company, gathered information from the burned site.
“They found that fires were started in several different, separate locations within the building,” Paul stated.
Impact and Future Plans
The Salvation Army had insurance for the approximately 13,000-square-foot building, but it is unclear how much damage will be covered.
The destruction of the building was “a huge loss,” said Prince Albert Salvation Army Maj. Ed Dean.
“It’s sad to think that somebody would intentionally enter the building and set it on fire.”
The Salvation Army hopes to rebuild on the Central Avenue site. Dean said, “Prince Albert doesn’t need another parking lot. It would be really nice to have a nice new building there.”
Current Services Offered
The Salvation Army has set up a temporary location in the Union Centre downtown for the winter months.
This charity helps those who are homeless and offers an overnight warming shelter, a daytime shelter, and a noon-hour meal program six days a week.
However, it cannot provide some former services at the Union Centre, such as laundry and showers.
The Salvation Army’s ministry has also found a temporary space at the Church of the Nazarene.
How to Help
Dean mentioned that people who want to help the Salvation Army can call the office to make a donation, or mail a cheque or donate online.
| Event | Date | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Incident | December 25 | 900 Central Ave. | Total Loss |
| Investigation Start | December 26 | Burned Building | Ongoing |
| Temporary Location | Winter Months | Union Centre | Operational |
