Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Saskatoon News Releases
Update: Fire Response under University Bridge
June 21, 2023 - 3:30 pm
- From the east side of the bridge, drivers are encouraged to take Clarence Avenue to 12th Street and use the Broadway Bridge or use 8th street and use the Traffic Bridge or Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge.
- From the west side of the bridge, drivers are encouraged to take alternate routes downtown and to use the Broadway Bridge, Traffic Bridge, or Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge.
The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) continues to address a fire that is occurring on the underside of University Bridge. Fire crews are working with City engineers, Saskatoon Light & Power and Saskatoon Water to determine the extent of the fire and monitor the integrity of the bridge. SFD’s Command 9 unit is also on scene.
The fire is under control, but firefighters continue to assess the scene for hot spots. As a precautionary measure, work crews are drilling into the bridge deck for firefighters to apply water at specific locations, controlling temperatures and avoiding risk to the bridge.
The fire appears to have started from a mattress in an encampment on top of an archway under the bridge. The flames reached the underside of the bridge deck where old wooden forms used to repair the bridge in 1972 were exposed. This, in turn, started a fire in a designed utility cavity that is difficult to reach.
Based on a preliminary assessment, there doesn’t appear to be any major structural damage to the University Bridge; however, further evaluations are necessary to determine the overall impact. Detailed inspections will be conducted to assess the bridge's condition and confirm its safety prior to reopening.
Maintaining the bridge's safety and integrity is top priority. SFD, along with City engineers, Saskatoon Light & Power and Saskatoon Water will continue to closely monitor the situation. Once further inspections are done, work will begin on rectifying any potential damage.
For your safety and ours, pedestrians and cyclists are asked to please stay away from the barricaded walkways at University Bridge.
We ask drivers to reroute their commute:
A timeline of when the bridge will be reopened is not known at this time.
Fire response under University Bridge
June 21, 2023 - 9:30 am
The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) is actively extinguishing a fire that started within an encampment under the University Bridge. SFD first received a report of a fire under the bridge on June 21, 2023 at 12:41 a.m. Upon arrival, fire crews identified an abandoned encampment on fire under the bridge. SFD is currently on scene with a ladder truck which is being used to access the location and a tanker truck to supply water. The fire is in a location that is difficult to extinguish. The fire is under control but a timeline of when the fire will be fully extinguished is not known at this time.
Motorists and pedestrians are asked to avoid the area directly under the University Bridge at this time while crews remain on scene.
FIRE Cadets graduate from eight-week program
June 15, 2023 - 4:00 pm
On June 15, 2023, 13 students received their certificates from the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) to signify the successful completion of their eight-week journey in the Firefighter Introduction Recruitment Experience (FIRE) Cadet program. A small ceremony was held at Station No. 1 to celebrate and recognize the young individuals for their service to the public, safety, relationships and teamwork.
The FIRE Cadets program gives high school students the opportunity to understand the firefighting career through a series of both classroom and hands-on learning. Over eight weeks, the cadets met four times a week to build new and strengthen existing life skills. Each cadet was presented with opportunities to challenge their mental and physical wellness, a sense of self-responsibility, personal growth, leadership, teamwork, and fire prevention skills. These skills are intended to contribute to one’s success in all aspects of life, including future career applications.
Under the guidance of experienced SFD instructors, the cadets participated in a range of firefighting and emergency services exercises including CPR accreditation, vehicle extrication, operation of hoses and hydrants, use of ladders and aerial apparatus, dark-room search and rescue, water rescue and forcible entry. The cadets also participated in community-service related activities including needle and garbage pickup, and fire safety presentations to elementary school students. In total, the class completed more than 60 hours of training and community involvement.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with this year’s cadet class and watch them be a part of the FIRE Cadet program,” says Fire Chief Morgan Hackl. “Seeing the students’ personal growth, alongside coming together as a team has been inspiring to witness. They have continually stepped outside of their comfort zones and excelled at each task they were introduced to. SFD is extremely proud to be a part of this partnership with Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools and Saskatoon Public Schools.”
Encampment Fire - Area between Avenue K South & Spadina Crescent
June 7, 2023 - 10:45 am
June 7, 2023, at 9:25 a.m., a Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) Fire Bylaw Inspector responded to a report of someone living without housing near the Old Sanatorium site south of the 1300 Block of Avenue K South. This was a heavily treed area and not easily accessible. Our Inspector arrived at the site that was not occupied at the time but a smoldering fire involving a tent and clothing was identified. SFD Dispatch was notified by our Inspector and one brush truck was dispatched to ensure the smoldering fire didn't get out of control.
Fire crews arrived to the site and walked in to the fire. Firefighters used their water backpacks to fully extinguish the fire. Some vegetation, a tent and its contents sustained fire damage. An under control was declared at 10:02 a.m.
No injuries resulted from this fire. A fire investigation was not conducted. The burnt contents and structure were removed from the area.
Structure Fire - Stanley Place
June 6, 2023 - 6:00 pm
At 6:10 a.m. on June 6, 2023, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a report of a garage on fire off the alley behind Stanley Place. Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched. First arriving fire crews reported flames visible from a detached garage. All incoming fire crews were assigned their tactical duties. The fire was quickly brought under control at 6:20 a.m. Our Fire Investigator was requested to attend.
The property had been closed for occupancy by the SFD on January 17, 2023. The house and garage were vacant and secured at the time of this fire. Repair orders were issued by the SFD at the time of the closure.
Fire Investigator has concluded our cause and origin examination. Cause of the fire is suspicious. Fire originated on the exterior of the garage along the overhead door. Damage is estimated at $10,000. Structure was turned over to a representative for the property to re-secure. SFD will continue in its process with the current orders.
Saskatoon Police Service will continue their portion of the investigation.
No injuries resulted from this fire.
Structure Fire - 300 Block Avenue J South
June 5, 2023 - 8:15 am
On June 5, 2023 at 2:38 a.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 9-1-1 call for a garage fire in the 300 Block of Avenue J South. Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief responded. First arriving fire crews reported a garage fully involved in fire. An exterior extinguishment was initiated immediately. The Fire Investigator was requested.
The fire was brought under control at 2:48 a.m. SFD's Fire Investigator requested the assistance of a Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) Investigator. A cause and origin fire investigation was conducted. The Fire Investigator has determined that this fire is suspicious and originated in the interior of the garage. Damage is estimated at $30,000. The SFD Fire Investigator has concluded our portion of the investigation and SPS will follow up.
No injuries occurred as a result of this fire. The property has now been turned over to the care of the property manager.
Trailer Fire – 2300 block of 8th Street East
June 1, 2023 - 3:30 pm
At 12:20 p.m. on Thursday, June 1, 2023 the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a 9-1-1 call reporting a trailer on fire behind a commercial business on the 2300 block of 8th Street East. Two engines, one battalion chief and a fire investigator were dispatched.
Upon arriving, fire crews observed a utility trailer carrying a water tank and pressure washer fully involved in fire. Fire crews extinguished the fire.
One person was injured with burns to the upper body and was transported to hospital for treatment.
An SFD Fire Investigator was requested to perform a fire cause and origin scene examination. The fire investigator identified the equipment had not sufficiently cooled down prior to refueling. The cause of the fire was accidental.
SFD wants to remind everyone that when you are re-fueling gasoline-powered equipment, a sufficient cool down period should occur prior to refueling the unit.
The fire damage is estimated at $20,000.
Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization combats extreme weather
June 1, 2023 - 10:30 am
On June 7, 2023, Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization (EMO) will present two reports related to Saskatoon’s Extreme Weather Emergency Response Plans to the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services.
As summer temperatures approach, EMO and community partners explore options to increase water accessibility in Saskatoon and mitigate the risks of extreme heat.
“Extreme heat is a risk our community faces in the summer months, which makes access to water important. Water access in Saskatoon is available through a variety of City of Saskatoon facilities and services and community agencies,” explains Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Management Organization. “There are multiple ways to access water across Saskatoon. This includes, water fountains, water bottle filling stations, distribution of re-usable water bottles, disposable water bottles through emergency services, outreach teams and site-based community services.”
EMO’s report to committee highlights two new additions to the Extreme Hot Weather Emergency Response Plan: a 24-hour water bottle filling station and misting tents. EMO partnered with the Westside Community Clinic to install a water bottle filling station that will be available 24 hours a day throughout the summer. Additionally, three misting tents will be available through EMO for event organizers to use at summer events.
As preparation ramps up for the extreme heat response, EMO simultaneously reviews the Extreme Cold Weather Emergency Response Plan. During the winter of 2022-2023, EMO activated the Extreme Cold Weather Emergency Response Plan six times for a total of 27 days. The plan was executed with the assistance of over 30 community partners who formed four task force groups: Outreach Services, Emergency Shelter Services, Warm-up Services and a General Task Force.
“Our community is made up of many dedicated partners and organizations who work tirelessly together on the frontlines to provide shelter and outreach services to those who are experiencing homelessness” says Goulden-McLeod. “This past winter the city experienced a significant increase in the number of individuals accessing warming locations or emergency shelter, which put a huge strain on partners’ resources and required an increased need for a coordinated and collaborative approach.”
EMO’s report to committee outlines the year-end review corrective actions for the 2023-2024 season, which includes Community partners identifying that the underlying strain on resources during extreme cold weather related to the need for 100 barrier-free complex beds throughout Saskatoon as part of the continuum of housing needs.
Vehicle Fire - 100 Block of Chitek Crescent
June 1, 2023 - 7:00 am
On May 31, 2023 at 11:09 a.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a 9-1-1 call reporting a waste disposal truck on fire. Two fire engines were dispatched. On arrival, the fire crews reported the vehicle was fully involved in fire. A Fire Investigator was requested to attend. The fire was brought under control at 11:24 a.m.
SFD's Fire Investigator has concluded the fire investigation. Damage is estimated at $235,000 and the vehicle is a total loss. Fire originated in the hydraulic area behind the cab. Cause of the fire is accidental due to a mechanical failure.
The operator of the vehicle was able to safely evacuate the cab prior to the fire entering the driver's compartment. No injuries to the occupant or firefighters occurred as a result of this fire.
Saskatoon Fire Department releases 2023-2026 Strategic Plan
May 31, 2023 - 4:30 pm
- Advance Community Resiliency
- Community Safety & Well-being
- Risk Assessment
- Partnerships & Relationships
- Maximize Service Excellence
- SFD Master Plan
- Asset Planning & Management
- Organizational Performance
- Data & Technology
- Be Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
- Truth & Reconciliation
- Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
- Synergize Training & Development
- Employee Safety & Wellness
- Professional Development
- Interdisciplinary Training Model
Today, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) made public its 2023-2026 Strategic Plan (“Plan”). The Plan articulates SFD’s individual work plans, program development, business planning, and annual budgeting to support divisional and corporate priorities.
The Plan focuses on four strategic goals and 12 corresponding initiatives:
“This document is a really important resource for us as our fire service continues to evolve,” says Fire Chief Morgan Hackl. “Our Strategic Plan charts a course that embraces partnerships, leverages technology and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. With a clear vision in mind, we can remain at the forefront of firefighting and emergency response and shape a safer and more resilient community.”
The Plan will be presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services on June 6, 2023.