UPDATE: Structure Fire - 216 Avenue F South
The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes to correct the address of a structure fire that occurred on April 14, 2020; the correct address is 216 Avenue F South, not 201 as was previously reported.
Fire crews remained on scene into the early evening to perform overhaul efforts and extinguish remaining hot spots. A loss stopped was declared at approximately 6:09 p.m.
The fire, being jointly investigated by the Saskatoon Fire Department and the Saskatoon Police Service, has been identified as incendiary; it originated on the main level and quickly extended upwards through to the attic of the structure. The structure is considered a total loss with an estimated $200,000 in damage.
--
At approximately 2:58 p.m. on April 14, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call alerting to a possible structure fire in the 200 block of Avenue F South.
Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response.
Upon arrival of the first responding fire engine, a working structure fire at an abandoned and unoccupied house was confirmed; flames were visibly exiting from the back of the structure. The commanding fire officer ordered a defensive attack on the fire; firefighters immediately began preparing hydrants and flowing water to begin extinguishment while a laddered connection was made to allow fire crews to breach exterior access points on the upper level and roof of the structure.
All utilities to the structure have been shut off by firefighters or were previously disconnected by utility technicians.
Fire crews have transitioned into an offensive attack on the fire; searches are being performed to confirm vacancy and to identify areas of extension of the fire.
The Saskatoon Police Service have traffic restrictions in place and members of the public are asked to avoid the area.
This incident is ongoing and an update will be provided as additional information becomes know.