Residential Structure Fire - 1247 Avenue J South
On February 14, 2020 at approximately 4:10 this morning, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a possible structure fire at a home under construction at 1247 Avenue J South.
Three fire engines, one aerial ladder truck, one rescue unit, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response.
Upon arrival, firefighters observed flames showing on the exterior of the home and initiated an immediate attack to suppress the fire. Fire crews breached an exterior door on the home, noting smoke upon entering, while additional fire crews began removing siding to check for further extension of the fire. Firefighters shut off the gas supply to the home and fire dispatchers requested the response of utility technicians to shut off remaining utilities.
Firefighters on the interior of the home proceeded to the basement where they were met with increasingly darkening smoke and a fire that continued to spread to the main level of the home. Firefighters retreated from the home to pursue an exterior attack; this involved gaining additional access by cutting into the wall of the home. Upon softening the fire from the exterior, fire crews re-entered the home to continue fire suppression from the interior. The fire was brought under control within 70 minutes of the first fire engine arriving on scene.
Fire crews established ventilation to clear the home of remaining smoke and carbon monoxide. Firefighters performed searches on each level of the home, finding no further extension of the fire and confirming there to be no occupants or pets present at the time of the fire.
A fire investigator has concluded the on scene investigation and has found the fire to be accidental in nature, originating near an electrical box in the basement. Damage has been estimated at $200,000.
There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident.