Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre closed following fire

RFPS units on scene of a fire in the area of 11th Avenue and Osler Street, near the Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre. (Courtesy: X/@Regina_Fire)

Regina’s Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre will be closed until further notice following a fire in the area.

The organization, which acts as a drop-in centre and safe consumption site – in addition to offering numerous other services, shared the update in a post to social media Monday evening.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce our centre’s temporary closure due to a fire at our neighbour’s space, which has caused substantial smoke damage to our premises,” the post read.

“We will be closed until further notice while we evaluate damages, safety and security of the centre.”

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Crews from Regina’s Fire and Protective Services (RFPS) responded to the area of 11th Avenue and Osler Street just after 6 p.m.

In an update shared shortly after, crews were confirmed to be working on getting the flames under control. A picture from the scene depicted a large cloud of smoke being emitted from the site.

At 7:13 p.m., the fire service announced that the flames were under control and all searches of the area had been completed.

The fire appeared to be concentrated directly south of the friendship centre – as scorch marks could be seen scarring the exterior walls of the single-story brick building.

RFPS confirmed that the cause of the fire will be under investigation.