The trailer holding about 1,500 PAGC food hampers caught fire on Oct. 3. (Submitted photo)

By paNOW Staff

Significant loss

Food for Thanksgiving hampers destroyed by trailer fire

Oct 6, 2025 | 1:47 PM

About 1,500 food hampers destined for local families in need this Thanksgiving have been either destroyed or damaged in a fire.

On Oct. 3, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Prince Albert Fire Department responded to the 1700 block of Sixth Ave. W. for a report of a structure fire.

Upon arrival, there was black smoke coming from the rear of a 53-foot enclosed semi-trailer unit up against a building. The fire was contained to a small area at the back of the trailer, which suffered moderate damage.

Unfortunately, it had just been loaded with 24 pallets of dry goods like pasta, stuffing mixes and soups for the hampers. Elizabeth Marlowe, agrologist for Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC), said about 500 of them had to be taken to the dump. The remainder they pulled from the trailer are currently being stored, but Marlowe said they may be too damaged from the smoke to salvage.

“It’s just so disappointing because it’s going to, you know, people that are hungry…vulnerable people,” she said.

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With each hamper worth about $200, the retail value loss could be near $300,000 for PAGC.

The cause of the blaze has not been determined. (Submitted photo)

“We had a little backup, but not much. So, we’ve been out shopping trying to buy products all over again,” she said. “We got some donations from Superstore, Value Lot, Arctic Beverages and we got some big donations out of Windsor, Ontario. They heard about it and sent us a whole bunch of stuff, but by and large Prince Albert Grand Council is going to foot the bill.”

The PAGC said rebuilding efforts began immediately Friday night and continued through the weekend. Volunteers from S.H.A.R.E., Caribou Transport, YWCA, PAGC staff and PAGC’s Youth Achievement Services (YAS) program, including 15 kids, worked late into the night and over the weekend, assembling new hampers and restocking supplies to meet demand.

Volunteers helped to rebuild hampers following the fire. (Submitted photo/PAGC)

PAGC also extended thanks to donors who provided critical support following the fire, including: Value Lots, Real Canadian Superstore, Partners Furniture, Arctic Beverages, the Leamington Food Hub, a charitable food network from Ontario that sent a semi-load of donated goods, and Garth Sanderson from James Smith Cree Nation who brought in his semi to help move the hampers.

“The outpouring of help has been overwhelming,” said PAGC Finance Director Gene Dere who is one of the main organizers. “Thanks to our partners and everyone who came out to help, we can continue serving families who rely on these hampers.”

Despite the loss, the hamper program will proceed as scheduled on Wednesday, Oct. 8 and Thursday, Oct. 9, at the PAGC Student Residence. The team is working to fulfill more than 3,600 registered names for distribution.

The cause of the fire has not been determined.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com