Prince Albert Outreach is found in the 2000 block of fourth Ave. E. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Suspicious fires

P.A. community group suffers loss following vehicle fires

Jun 30, 2023 | 5:00 PM

The Executive Director of Prince Albert Outreach said the loss of their two vans will have a big impact on the community.

Early Friday morning, the vans that were left parked outside WonSka Cultural School on 21st St. E., were consumed by fire. There was also some damage to the school’s windows.

“It sounds like the vans are a total loss,” Bill Chow told paNOW.

In addition to delivering food and supplies to people living on the streets, the vans also bring hampers to families in need and transport at-risk youth to various appointments such as court or probation.

“Those services are going to be cut immensely,” Chow said.

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A southbound view of the fire. (Submitted photo)

Noting the incidents happened on the Friday of a long weekend, and the lack of any programs happening before next week, Chow said alternative plans will likely be discussed Tuesday or Wednesday.

“Obviously we won’t be able to provide the level of service that we were,” he said, also confirming plans to work with SGI.

Chow, who is a former police officer, acknowledged the news is discouraging.

“Nothing surprises me so we just kind of move on and try to figure it out,” he said.

A scorched section of grass is all that remains after the early morning fire. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Prince Albert police have confirmed they’re investigating and are asking people who live in the area to check their security cameras and provide any information they may have.

According to a statement from the Prince Albert Fire Department, crews arrived to find both vehicles fully involved.

“Personnel quickly controlled and extinguished the fires and prevented any extension to nearby structures. Both vehicle were towed from the scene,” they said.

Roughly 30 minutes after the fire outside WonSka school, there was a separate vehicle fire in the 500 block of 13th St. W.

The vehicle sustained extensive damage and was towed away.

It’s not clear if the two incidents are related.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell