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Prince Albert Fire Department remains in the downtown area this morning as they work to put out a fire that started in the Salvation Army building on Central Avenue that started Christmas Day.
Crews were hosing down neighbouring businesses when paNOW returned to the scene on Boxing Day morning.
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Central Avenue and side streets leading up the building are closed to the public.
The Salvation Army had recently begun being a warm up location for the city’s homeless population when spaces at the emergency shelter were full, but the Prince Albert Grand Council offered up space in their Urban Services building close to Gateway Mall as a relief measure.
They are putting out a call for donations of cereal and sandwiches and asked items be dropped off at the building. Volunteers are needed between (8:30 to 9 a.m.), lunch service (11 a.m. to 12 p.m.), and post-meal cleanup.
The most recent information from neighbouring businesses, Sweet Stells and Fresh Air Experience is that both businesses are fine for now.
An update issued at 8:30 Friday morning indicates that the fire may be contained.
“I was able to pop into the bakery this morning and everything seems unscathed. I’ll hopefully be able to get in tomorrow to check that everything is okay and to continue with cake orders for this weekend,” said Sweet Stells on the business social media page.
“The community support has been phenomenal. I talked with several of the surrounding business owners last night as we watched Emergency crews work. Their hard work is amazing–think I need to get some heartwarming cinnamon buns to all the crews! Thank you!!”
Fresh Air Experience commended the fire department for their work by social media as well.
“There was concern that the fire would move its way through our block. But because of the incredible work performed by the Prince Albert Fire Department they were able to attack the fire and keep it from moving toward our building.
We’d like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Prince Albert Fire Department, PA Police Service, Sask Power, Sask Energy and the City of Prince Albert, thank you. We’d also like to extend our thoughts and prayers to the Salvation Army and everyone that is involved with trying to make a difference in our community.”
The downtown business association has issued a warning to people travelling downtown that the streets will be very icy with the frozen water from the fire fighting efforts.
Not much appears to remain inside the Salvation Army’s building in Prince Albert as fire crews still work to extinguish the blaze. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)
