PRINCE ALBERT — Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) has released surveillance footage as they continue to investigate the Christmas Day fire that destroyed the Salvation Army Community Services building on Central Avenue.
PAPS said Monday that Major Crimes Unit investigators have obtained video from the area surrounding the 900 block of Central Avenue, recorded moments after the fire is believed to have started on the evening of Dec. 25, 2025. Police are now asking for the public’s help identifying an unknown person seen in the footage.
According to investigators, the individual that appears around 7:31 p.m., walking southbound in an alley in the 900 block of Central Avenue. The person removes a pair of black pants, revealing grey pants underneath, before continuing west along 10th Street East toward Central Avenue.
Watch: Video compiled by Prince Albert Police Service
Additional footage shows the same person walking north on the east side of Central Avenue at about 7:33 p.m. The person is last seen around 8 p.m. standing on the northeast corner of Central Avenue before heading south.
Police say it isn’t known whether the person had any involvement in the fire or may simply be a potential witness.
The blaze broke out shortly before 8 p.m. on Christmas Day. Prince Albert Fire Department crews arrived at 7:55 p.m. and initially attempted an interior attack, but heavy smoke, intense fire conditions and an an early roof breach forced firefighters to retreat and shift to a defensive strategy. Crews were able to prevent the fire from spreading to the neighbouring building, but the Salvation Army facility was destroyed.
The loss has left a significant gap in community supports. The building housed the city’s only warming centre and provided meals, showers, laundry services and other essential programs for vulnerable residents. Everything inside was lost, and the organization is now planning its next steps.
Anyone with information in relation to this fire is asked to contact police at 306-953-4222. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
The Prince Albert Police Service say they will provide any further updates in relation to this investigation when available.
-With files by Martin Oldhues
