Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Saskatoon News Releases
Balcony Fire - 300 Block of Girgulis Crescent
August 19, 2023 - 11:00 am
At 5:45 a.m. on August 19, 2023, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a balcony on fire in the 300 Block of Girgulis Crescent. Caller reported that fire extinguishers were used in an attempt to put the fire out but didn't think it was extinguished.
Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched. First arriving fire crews reported a small fire on a balcony on the ground floor of a multi residential apartment building. All incoming fire crews were assigned their tactical duties.
One male sustained minor burns to a hand and was treated by SFD paramedics. The patient's care was later turned over to the ambulance service. Two others were treated for lacerations to their hands sustained from breaking the protective cover of the fire extinguisher cabinets.
Fire was brought under control at 6:13 a.m.
The Fire Investigator was requested to attend. Cause and origin examination is concluded. Fire originated on the first floor balcony and extended to the 2nd floor balcony. Cause of the fire was from improper disposal of smoking material. Damage is estimated at $20,000.
While the fire extinguishers used did not completely extinguish the fire, the suppression product slowed down the growth of the fire. SFD wants to remind everyone to use an acceptable receptacle when disposing of smoking material such as a glass jar with water in it and a lid.
Structure Fire - 300 Block of Avenue K South
August 15, 2023 - 9:30 am
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.
Residential structure fire - 1100 block Osler Street
August 4, 2023 - 10:15 am
At 5:40 a.m. on August 4, 2023, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple calls reporting a house on fire on the 1100 block of Osler Street. Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief responded. First arriving fire crews reported visible flames on the rear of the structure. All incoming fire crews were assigned their tactical duties.
Fire crews quickly attacked the flames from the exterior to knock down the fire before proceeding inside the structure to complete a search of the building for occupants as well as fire extension inside the structure. All occupants were found to have safely exited the structure prior to fire arriving on scene. A Fire Investigator was requested, and utility companies contacted to safely secure the natural gas and electrical services for the structure.
Fire crews worked to ensure that the fire was fully extinguished, and did not extend into the walls, basement, or attic space. The crews used a positive pressure fan to assist in removing the smoke from throughout the entire structure. The scene was turned over to the fire investigator at 7:12 a.m.
The fire investigator has determined the fire originated on the exterior of the home and the cause to be careless disposal of solid fuel barbecue ashes. Damage is estimated at $150,000.
The fire investigator found that the smoke alarms were working and accredits their early warning to have positively assisted in helping alert the occupants. As a result of the early warning everyone was able to safely get out of the house without receiving injuries. Saskatoon Fire Department wishes to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of having working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. Ensure they are routinely inspected for proper operation and that everyone knows to immediately exit the building in a safe manner when they are activated.
Water Rescue - South of Berry Barn
August 7, 2023 - 7:00 pm
At 3:21 p.m. on August 7, 2023, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a call for a Sea Doo that hit a sand bar and flipped over South of the Berry Barn on the river. It was reported that one male sustained injuries. The water rescue team, a fire engine and the Battalion Chief were dispatched. The water rescue team launched our rescue water craft at Paradise Beach and proceeded to the patient's location. The ambulance service, STARS and the RCMP also responded to the incident.
STARS found a landing point on a sand bar. The SFD water rescue team transported the patient to the sand bar where the patient was transferred to their care and taken to hospital with unknown injuries.
The fire crew on the fire engine assisted with getting the Sea Doo upright. Our Battalion Chief transported an uninjured female back to Saskatoon to their vehicle.
Fire crews have returned to their respective stations.
The river can be unpredictable due to lower water levels, hidden sand bars and a changing bottom due to the current's rate of water flow.
SFD responds to grass fire involving power pole in area south of Cartwright Street
July 17, 2023 - 1:45 pm
At 10:28 a.m. on Monday, July 17, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a 9-1-1 call reporting a power pole on fire, south of Cartwright Street by the Willows Golf Course. One engine, a brush truck, a tanker truck and one battalion chief were dispatched.
Upon arriving, fire crews observed a utility power pole on fire. SaskPower was requested to attend by SFD, and Corman Park Police were also notified for traffic control. Access to the affected pole was made by SFD crews by cutting a barbed wire fence. Once SaskPower arrived, electricity was de-energized and SFD personnel then extinguished the fire.
No one was injured.
SFD wants to remind everyone that if a fire involving a power line is discovered, stay far away from the energized utility pole and wires, as they may still be energized and call 9-1-1 immediately,
The fire damage estimate is not known at this time.
Extraction response at University of Saskatchewan
July 4, 2023 - 4:45 pm
At 2:14 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a 9-1-1 call reporting roof panels that had collapsed at the University of Saskatchewan campus. One engine, two rescue trucks and one battalion chief were dispatched.
Upon arrival, rescue crews identified a portion of ceiling had collapsed and potentially six people were trapped underneath. Rescue personnel entered the scene and found three male workers with injuries. One worker was trapped underneath roof panels and sustained a fracture to his leg. The other two workers also received injuries, one with an ankle fracture and the other with bruising to his body. All three were removed safely from the scene by SFD rescue personnel and taken to hospital by ambulance. The other workers present were found safe and were not transported to hospital.
Saskatoon Fire Department assists STARS
July 1, 2023 - 7:45 pm
On July 1, 2023, at 4:17 p.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) was requested to assist STARS with establishing a landing zone at Cranberry Flats. One fire engine responded and fire crews worked with the STARS dispatch and the ambulance service in establishing a landing zone to assist with a patient. No details are known about the patient. SFD established a landing zone, assisted STARS in landing safely. Fire crew assisted the ambulance service with transferring the patient from STARS to the ambulance. Fire crew were released from the scene at 5:13 p.m.
Team work and partnerships amongst the emergency services is essential in serving everyone.
Happy Canada Day, stay safe and hydrated.
Apartment fire - 200 block of Avenue P South
June 28, 2023 - 11:00 am
At 6:13 a.m. on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a 9-1-1 call reporting a fire on the main level of an apartment on the 200 block of Avenue P South. Three engines, one ladder, one rescue truck and one battalion chief were dispatched.
Upon arrival, fire crews identified flames showing on the main level of the apartment. One adult had been within the suite when the fire started and was removed prior to the fire crews’ arrival. The individual sustained burns and medical attention was administered. The person was transported to hospital by ambulance.
The fire crews conducted a search of the building and suppressed the fire. The fire was brought under control at 6:40 a.m.
An SFD Fire Investigator was requested to perform a fire cause and origin scene examination. A Saskatoon City Police Arson Investigator was also called in to the fire scene. The fire is presently under investigation and a cause has not yet been determined.
The fire damage is estimated at $50,000 dollars.
Saskatoon Fire Department recognizes civilian with Award of Merit
June 23, 2023 - 8:30 am
The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) is pleased to recognize Joe Madden for his actions that resulted in safely evacuating tenants of a burning home.
In the early morning of November 28, 2022, Madden was leaving a local convenience store when he saw a fire coming from a home on the corner of Main and Clarence. There were no emergency vehicles present, so Joe called 9-1-1.
Joe proceeded to pound on the door in case there were residents inside the home. Two residents woke up to Joe’s knock and were able to get themselves and their two pets out the door and safely across the street.
Having previous experience with a basement suite, Joe made the smart decision to check the home for basement tenants. Pounding on the door at the back of the house, Joe was able to help two more people get out of the basement and safely across the street.
In total, Joe saved four people, a cat, and a budgie out of the house.
SFD received a call at 1:07 a.m. reporting a structure fire on the 900 block of Main Street. Arriving on scene, fire crews found visible flames on the exterior of a home with the fire advancing into the roof. Firefighters brought the fire under control by 1:42 a.m. The cause of the fire was undetermined and damage was estimated at $150,000.
“Joe's decisive actions undoubtedly saved lives that day, reminding us of the incredible impact individuals can have in extraordinary circumstances,” says Fire Chief Morgan Hackl. “We commend Joe for his exemplary actions and commitment to safety.”
Madden was presented with an Award of Merit on June 23, 2023 in a small ceremony at Fire Station No.1.
Update: Fire Response under University Bridge
June 22, 2023 - 2:15 pm
After bringing the fire under control at approximately 5:30 p.m. on June 21, 2023, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) continued to monitor hot spots into the evening. The scene was cleared at approximately 10:30 p.m. There is no longer a fire risk on the bridge and, following minor repairs by City crews, the structure was reopened to traffic this afternoon.
An SFD Fire Investigator was requested to perform a fire cause and origin scene examination. The fire investigator determined the fire as suspicious and originated from a household mattress located within one of the bridge’s arches. The Saskatoon Police Service will continue their portion of the investigation.
A damage estimate is not available at this time.