Structure Fire - 200 Block of Avenue V South
At 8:19 p.m. on May 28, 2023, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a 9-1-1 call for a possible fire in an apartment building in the 200 Block of Avenue V South. Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched. First arriving fire crew reported flames showing from a 3rd story suite of an apartment building. There were occupants needing assistance in evacuating due to heavy smoke in the hallways. Two additional fire engines were dispatched to assist with evacuation and fire suppression.
Fire crews assisted with evacuating 4 occupants who were trapped in their suites. Fire was brought under control at 9:04 p.m. The Fire Investigator was requested to attend.
The fire separation door that serves the suite that opens into the hallway was left in the open position. This allowed smoke to leave the fire suite and fill up the hallway subsequently making it impassable for some occupants in other suites to evacuate safely.
Twenty-six occupants were rehoused to a local hotel.
The fire scene was turned over to the Fire Investigator. Cause of the fire is suspicious. Two origins were identified in a suite on the 3rd floor. A fire was identified in a bedroom and another fire located in the living room. Damage is estimated at $400,000 of the 4 story, apartment building.
One occupant was transported to hospital by the ambulance service for smoke inhalation and later released. No injuries to firefighters occurred as a result of this fire.
Property owner arranged to have the building secured.
The Saskatoon Police Service will continue their portion of the investigation.