Structure Fire - 300 Block of Avenue K South
At 1:31 a.m. on August 15, 2023, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) Communications Center received a report of a fire at a warehouse building in the 300 Block of Avenue K South. SFD dispatched three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief at 1:32 a.m. The first arriving fire crew reported a large commercial structure with flames showing at the rear at 1:36 a.m.
All incoming fire crews were assigned tactical duties. Utilities were shut down for scene safety. A fence and a locked gate had to be breached to gain access to the fire. Our SFD Fire Investigator was requested to attend. Fire crews extinguished the fire at the rear and gained entry to search the building for any persons in the event the structure was not vacant. No persons were identified inside.
The fire was brought under control at 1:53 a.m. Fire crews ensured full extinguishment and checked for hot spots. The Fire Investigator assumed the scene at 2:30 a.m. and requested the Police Arson Investigator as indications identified a suspicious fire.
SFD's portion of the fire investigation has concluded. The fire is considered suspicious with three points of origin identified to an air handling unit, fire started on west side of building and an accessory building. The fire scene was turned over to the Saskatoon Police Service for their further follow up and investigation. Damage is estimated at $15,000.
On the west side of the property, there were indications of an encampment. The area was searched. No person(s) were in the encampment in the alleyway. The fire did not involve or breach the encampment.
No persons or firefighters were injured as a result of this fire. Fire crews and the fire investigator have all returned to their respective stations.
If anyone has information about this fire, please call our Police Service at (306) 975-8300.