The building was completely gutted by the fire. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Fire investigation

Salvation Army fire human-caused: Prince Albert Fire Department

Jan 6, 2026 | 3:20 PM

A fire that tore through the Salvation Army building on Christmas Day was human-caused and there were multiple starts from within the building.

Those are the findings of the Prince Albert Fire Department whose role in the investigation has now concluded. The matter now rests with the Prince Albert Police Service.

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

Prior to the fire, the 13,000 square foot building on Central provided a space for worship services, showers and laundry facilities. There was also a commercial kitchen and donations like clothing and Christmas toys were stored in it.

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As of Dec. 15, the building was being used at night as a warming shelter for the city’s homeless, and on the afternoon of the fire a large meal was provided. There were no reports of any problems.

Services provided by the Salvation Army, which were temporarily moved to the Prince Albert Grand Council Urban Services Centre, have since been moved to the Union Centre on first Ave. E.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell