Regina's Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre temporarily closed due to fire damage

The Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre in Regina has closed indefinitely following a fire that caused significant smoke damage Monday evening.

The organization, which provides drop-in services, a supervised consumption site and other community supports, announced the closure in a social media post 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."

Regina Fire and Protective Services (RFPS) responded to the fire near 11th Avenue and Osler Street shortly after 6 p.m. CST. Images from the scene showed a thick cloud of smoke.

By 7:13 p.m. CST, RFPS confirmed the fire was under control and that searches of the affected area had been completed. 

Teresa Innis, the executive director of the friendship centre, said she was alerted to the fire when the security system triggered an alarm notification around 6 p.m. By the time she arrived, firefighters were already on the scene.

"It was pretty heartbreaking," Innis said. "It was pretty overwhelming as well, just because we didn't know what was going on or where the flames were.

"We saw a lot of smoke, a lot of black smoke coming out of the second-floor windows and vents and the roof."

Innis said the closure is expected to last at least through the week as officials assess the extent of the damage and determine whether the building is safe to enter. The organization has been redirecting its clients — many of whom rely on the centre for meals and other essential services — to other local agencies, including Queen City Wellness Pharmacy, Carmichael Outreach and the Marian Centre.

"We serve 150 meals a day, seven days a week, and our safe consumption site sees 30 to 40 clients per day," she said. "The impact on the community is significant."

Innis said the centre has received an outpouring of support from the community. Other agencies have reached out to offer assistance and staff have been stationed near the centre to help direct clients to alternative resources.

Officials say the cause of the fire is under investigation.