A Prince Albert fire fighter attacks the fire from the air. (NIgel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Emergency respone

Christmas Day fire ravages Prince Albert Salvation Army building

Dec 25, 2025 | 8:59 PM

Thick plumes of black smoke and flames were seen Thursday night coming from the Salvation Army Building in downtown Prince Albert as a fire ravaged the structure.

Emergency crews were called to the scene around 8p.m. and the fire attracted a large crowd of onlookers.

As of Dec. 15, the building has also been used as a warming shelter for the city’s homeless. The hours of operation were seven nights a week from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.

While firefighters battled the blaze in frigid conditions, representatives from the City, Prince Albert Grand Council, PA Security, YWCA, Mobile Crisis and the Salvation Army met at the PAGC Urban Services Center to discuss the next steps. Mayor Bill Powalinsky told paNOW this is a devastating loss.

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“Community agencies and the Salvation Army are working furiously to pivot quickly to ensure continuity of service,” he said.

“This Christmas day tragedy is our opportunity to show support as residents of Prince Albert have done so many times over.”

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Firefighters deal with smoke billowing from the building. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Among the decisions made at the meeting Thursday night to ensure continuity of shelter, meals, and supports for community members, was to relocate the temporary warming shelter to PAGC Urban Services (effective Thursday night) and it will operate nightly from 10p.m. to 8:a.m. until January 2.

Relatives Lodge is also available for warm up and meal service is being coordinated daily through Dec. 31 with community support.

A meal is typically provided at St. Alban’s Church (1410 Bishop McLean Crescent) Sundays at 2pm. Community support is being welcomed.

Donations of cereal and sandwich items may be dropped off at PAGC Urban Services, and volunteers are needed to assist with morning food preparation (8:30–9:00 a.m.), lunch service (11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.), and post-meal cleanup.

Volunteers are urgently needed for cooking and cleaning. Contact the Coordinator, Kim Jonathan (YWCA) at kimjonathan@ywcaprincealbert.ca

The cause of the fire is unknown and investigators will likely be on scene for a few days once it’s safe to do so.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell