‘It is a shock’: Salvation Army major responds to findings of fire investigation

Reflecting on the news that a fire at the Salvation Army may have been deliberately set, Maj. Ed Dean said he was feeling shock and disappointment.

Late Tuesday afternoon, the Prince Albert Fire Department confirmed that their investigation had concluded the fire on Christmas Day was human caused and that there were multiple starts.

Dean recalled at the time of the fire, around 8 p.m., when he first received the call, he was asked if the warm up shelter was open. He was then advised there were people inside and that there was smoke coming from the building.

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“It is a shock. Obviously they did not have permission to be in the building and that they would burn the very place that’s trying to help so many,” he said.

The investigation is now in the hands of the police service and Dean confirmed there were a number of cameras all around the building. The footage captured by the cameras has been turned over to investigators.

And while police search to find the people responsible, Dean is aware of the negative comments that have already flooded social media.

“I still want people to remember to let the police do their work, don’t be throwing judgments around. because judgments help no one,” he said.

“We still are an organization of caring and giving people hope. And we hope that it would have different outcomes, that didn’t happen however, we also know that humans sometimes make errors and this one was a big one.”

Dean said the need for donations remains large, adding due to the smaller space monetary donations are preferred. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW)

What’s next for the Salvation Amy

Since last Friday all the services have been moved to the Union Centre. Noting the difference in space from 2,500 sq. ft. versus the former 13,000 sq. ft.

“And so everything you do is on smaller scale but needing the same amount of things done. For example, the kitchen is two household stoves. We had a completely modernized commercial kitchen and so where we could put 12 trays in the oven now we put two.”

Prior to the fire the building was in the midst of major renovations and was about 80 per cent complete. On top of a new fridge and freezer, the ceiling was being replaced and they were in the process of putting new lights.

“And so it’s a a bit of a disappointment. I put hundreds of hours into that place and volunteers too put thousands of hours of their dedicated time into making it what it was.”

Dean said the need for donations remains large, adding due to the smaller space monetary donations are preferred.

People are asked to call the office. Visa or Master Card can be processed that way or online. A cheque can also be sent to Salvation Army Prince Albert at 900 Central Ave.

Acknowledging the tough road that lies ahead, Dean said they know they can be at the Union Centre until the end of September. In the coming days, the signs will come down at the old building and Dean hopes they’ll be able to reuse them at a new future location.