The fire that destroyed this old service station west of Prince Albert was deliberately set. (submitted/Buckland Fire & Rescue)

By Susan McNeil

Arson

Fire at old service station deliberately set, says RCMP

Dec 17, 2024 | 1:19 PM

A fire yesterday that destroyed an old service station on Highway 3 west of Prince Albert was caused by arson.

RCMP confirmed today that they are investigating because the fire was deliberately set.

Buckland Fire & Rescue, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, Shellbrook and Prince Albert Fire all responded to the blaze seven kilometres west of the City around noon yesterday.

The building was permanently closed and owned by the Dmyterko family.

Perry Dmyterko said he was pleased with the excellent response by the fire services that responded.

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“They managed very well with the circumstances that were presented to them. The Buckland Fire Dept did an excellent job and we as ratepayers should be very proud that the are protecting our properties,” Dmyterko said.

The Buckland fire chief drove by the building on his way to join the rest of the firefighters on their way from the Buckland Fire Hall and immediately requested aid from Prince Albert Fire in the form of a tanker truck.

Shellbrook Fire & Rescue was also called on the bring an engine while the Buckland service provied multiple engins and tankers and 12 firefighters.

RCMP were called as well.

To put out the fully-engulfed building fire, they set up a tanker shuttle operation with two port-a-tanks. It took five trucks driving back and forth to the Whitestar Fill Station to haul the 30,000 gallons of water needed to extinguish the fire.

The SPSA was called to supply an air trailer in order to fill the apparatus bottles used the firefighters.

It still took four hours of work to contain and put out the blaze but crews did manage to stop the fire from spreading to nearby buildings and no injuries were reported.

“Hats off to our extraordinary Buckland Firefighters who dropped whatever they were doing today and responded to a call for help in our community. You are truly appreciated. Thank a firefighter when you see one!” said Buckland Fire on social media afterwards.

SaskEnergy and SaskPower were also on scene to manage the utility services to the building.

Prince Albert RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of fire investigators from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact Prince Albert RCMP at 310-RCMP. Information can be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

On Bluesky: @susanmcneil.bsky.social