Structure Fire - 100 Block of Zeman Crescent
At 3:44 p.m. on November 13, 2023, the Saskatoon Fire Department Communications Center received a report of a structure fire in the 100 block of Zeman Crescent. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, a ladder truck and the Battalion Chief were dispatched. Fire arriving fire crews reported a two storey house fully involved. An immediate exterior extinguishment was initiated. All incoming fire crews were assigned their tactical duties. Utilities were requested to be shut down for scene safety. A Fire Investigator was requested.
At 3: 52 p.m., the neighboring house caught fire. Fire crews maintained their exterior extinguishment to minimize the amount of fire damage to the neighboring structure. At 4:12 p.m., fire crews switched from an interior attack to an exterior attack only due to the extent of fire at both properties. Some hazards fire crews were monitoring and aware of were an inground pool and a chimney at risk of collapse. At 4:36 p.m., the chimney collapsed, no one was injured. The fire was brought under control at 4:42 p.m.
No occupants were inside at the time of SFD's arrival. No civilians or firefighters were injured during this fire. Five cats were retrieved from a home after the fire was brought under control.
Fire Investigator states the fire started between the two structures on the exterior. Damage is estimated at $500,000 to the house of origin and $250,000 to the neighboring house that was exposed to the fire. No cause of the fire has been determined at this point.