(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Fire investigation

Weekend fire destroys cattle barn

May 27, 2024 | 1:45 PM

Less than two weeks away from the annual 4H Show and Sale in Prince Albert, the main cattle barn on the exhibition grounds has been destroyed by fire.

On Saturday, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the city’s fire department was called to the scene. Upon arrival, heavy smoke could be seen coming from the roof and eves of the large barn.

The first arriving crew gained entry through a man door to extinguish the interior fire. The crew then had to cease the interior attack due to roof trusses collapsing. Exterior cladding was removed to access and extinguish the remaining fire.

Three sides of the barn have been blackened by the damage. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

The structure sustained significant structural damage. The cause is currently under investigation and there were no injuries to report.

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Greg Dionne, president of the Prince Albert Exhibition Association, informed paNOW the structure is insured and he’s been told by investigators that the fire was started outside the building.

With respect to the upcoming 4H show and sale on June 9 and 10, Dionne described the loss of the barn as devastating but added alternative arrangements are being made.

Christine MacGillivray, General Leader of the Weldon 4H Club, acknowledged the fire will definitely affect the space for animals and tack. She explained how normally they have two clubs in each barn, so now with the fire, all four clubs will be in barn one.

It’s been just over 15 since months since a horse stable on the exhibition grounds was destroyed by fire. The fire was deemed suspicious in nature.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell