Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

The Saskatoon Fire Department recently became aware of deficiencies to fire and life safety systems in a building at 1416, 20^th Street West.

“During a recent call to the building, firefighters identified concerns with the operability of the fire alarm system, sprinkler system and fire extinguishers,” says Assistant Chief Wayne Rodger. “ As a result, the Fire Department issued a Notice to Remedy for this address.”

Rodger says the department also arranged qualified technicians to repair these systems and make sure they are operable, so residents have a safe living space.

Work on these systems will commence at 6:30 p.m. tonight, Friday January 29.

“We collaborated with many people on this course of action and the goal is to have the building safety systems operational and safe for occupants by Saturday morning.

Residents will not be confined, but to ensure compliance with the Provincial Health Orders, residents are being asked to stay in their suites while the work is completed.

The Saskatoon Police Service has agreed to support the technicians by helping provide a secure work site for them.  Officers will also escort residents if they need to leave or enter the building.

The Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call 2:16am from nursing staff reporting smell and haze of smoke on the main level of Sherbrooke Community Centre on Acadia Drive.   Dispatched to the scene were three engines, a ladder, rescue, battalion chief and fire investigator.

Upon arrival crews were ordered into the building and encountered very light smoke and began the search for the source.  This search eventually led them to the garbage room and located the fire inside a large metal dumpster.  This dumpster was rolled out of the building and safely extinguished.

The occupants weren't evacuated as the fire was confined to the metal dumpster in an enclosed garbage room.  Fire crews  set up large fans to remove any lingering smoke from the building.  There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.

The fire investigator confirms the fire began in an enclosed dumpster, while the investigation continues as to the exact cause.  There was minimal damage resulting the need for cleaning of some surfaces.

Saskatoon firefighters last night helped avoid a carbon monoxide poisoning that could have resulted in multiple deaths. 

“There’s no doubt, many lives were saved,” says Fire Chief Morgan Hackl. 

At 6:03 p.m. Thursday, January 14, 2021, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a call reporting potential carbon monoxide at an apartment building at 12 Bateman Crescent. 

Engine 15 was dispatched for immediate response. Upon arrival, crews used a detector inside the building and confirmed the presence of carbon monoxide with an initial reading of 350 ppm. The main hallway of the basement showed readings of over 200 ppm. Tenants were instructed to evacuate and SFD crews began checking each suite of the building for occupants. Approximately 50 occupants evacuated the building safely. 27 people were transported to hospital and 20 others seeked medical attention. A total of 4 apparatus, one battalion chief and 22 SFD staff were involved at the scene. 

“This was a serious incident that could have turned out very differently” says Fire Chief Morgan Hackl. “The Saskatoon Fire Department urges all residential homes and multi-unit residences to have Carbon Monoxide alarms. They save lives.” 

SaskEnergy was contacted and performed an investigation of the building. The boiler room showed a reading of 412 ppm. Further analysis revealed the boiler had rusted and the exhaust was being pumped into the building. 12 Bateman Crescent remains closed until repairs are completed.  

“The Saskatoon Fire Department and SaskEnergy’s Fire Inspectors are proactively assessing other neighbouring buildings,” says Assistant Chief, Yvonne Raymer.  

20 Bateman Cresent has also been closed due to boiler issues and improper ventilation. Approximately 50 residents have been evacuated from the second apartment building. It is still unknown when residents will be able to return to their suites. The property owner is arranging for hotel rooms for evacuated residents and has secured 30 carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in the common areas and boiler room. 

This event is an important reminder for residents to protect their homes from carbon monoxide poisoning: 

Ensure gas equipment and appliances are properly installed, maintained, and inspected by a licensed contractor, Keep furnace, water heater, chimney vents and pipes free of obstructions, such as leaves, debris or nests and frost, snow, and ice in winter months. Follow manufacturer directions for proper operation and care of all heating equipment and appliances, Only use generators, barbeques and portable propane heaters outside, and Never leave a vehicle or fuelled engine running while indoors. 

The fire investigator has completed the on-scene examination and the cause of the fire remains undetermined.  Damages are estimated at $125,000.00

….

Fire crews have completed the extinguishment of the fire and left the scene.  The fire investigator remains to sift the debris to determine what caused the fire.

The first arriving firefighters observed smoke and flames coming from the building.  Crews were assigned to advance hose lines into the building, seek out the areas on fire and worked to contain fire to an area inside the building, eventually extinguishing all hot spots.  At the same time a search of the building was conducted to ensure no one remained inside.  There are no injuries civilians or firefighters.

The cause of the fire and estimated damages with be forthcoming as the fire investigation continues.

….

The Saskatoon Fire Department in currently at structure fire in a commercial building in the 2400 block of Dudley Street.  Fire Department Dispatch received a call from an alarm monitoring company at 5:50 pm indicating a fire signal.  Dispatched to the scene are four engines, a ladder, rescue battalion chief and fire investigator.

Fire crews are still on scene and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Fire crews have completed the extinguishment of the fire and left the scene.  The fire investigator remains to sift the debris to determine what caused the fire.

The first arriving firefighters observed smoke and flames coming from the building.  Crews were assigned to advance hose lines into the building, seek out the areas on fire and worked to contain fire to an area inside the building, eventually extinguishing all hot spots.  At the same time a search of the building was conducted to ensure no one remained inside.  There are no injuries civilians or firefighters.

The cause of the fire and estimated damages with be forthcoming as the fire investigation continues.

….

The Saskatoon Fire Department in currently at structure fire in a commercial building in the 2400 block of Dudley Street.  Fire Department Dispatch received a call from an alarm monitoring company at 5:50 pm indicating a fire signal.  Dispatched to the scene are four engines, a ladder, rescue battalion chief and fire investigator.

Fire crews are still on scene and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

The Saskatoon Fire Department in currently at structure fire in a commercial building in the 2400 block of Dudley Street.  Fire Department Dispatch received a call from an alarm monitoring company at 5:50 pm indicating a fire signal.  Dispatched to the scene are four engines, a ladder, rescue battalion chief and fire investigator.

Fire crews remain on scene and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

The fire investigator has completed their examination of the fire scene and determined this fire was caused by a malfunctioning electrical extension cord and that resulted in an estimated $70,000.00 damage.

….

The Saskatoon Fire Department received 911 calls at 2:53 pm Sunday January 3, 2021, reporting fire in a garage on Gathercole Crescent.  Callers reported flames coming from an attached garage in the 200 block.

Dispatched to attend are 3 engines, a ladder, rescue, battalion chief and fire investigator.  The first arriving firefighters advanced hose lines to begin knocking down flames and battled fire extending into the roof.  A search of the home confirmed occupants were safely out of the house.  The are no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters.

The fire investigator remains on scene working to determine the cause of the fire.  Further information will be provided once it becomes available.

The Saskatoon Fire Department received 911 calls at 2:53 pm Sunday January 3, 2021, reporting fire in a garage on Gathercole Crescent.  Callers reported flames coming from an attached garage in the 200 block.

Dispatched to attend are 3 engines, a ladder, rescue, battalion chief and fire investigator.  The first arriving firefighters advanced hose lines to begin knocking down flames and battled fire extending into the roof.  A search of the home confirmed occupants were safely out of the house.  The are no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters.

The fire investigator remains on scene working to determine the cause of the fire.  Further information will be provided once it becomes available.

The Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call at 10:33 am this morning reporting a garage on fire in the 200 block of Lake Crescent.  Dispatched to the scene were three engines, a ladder, rescue battalion chief and fire investigator.

The first arriving firefighters observed smoke emitting from a detached garage.  Crews were assigned to bring water to the front of the garage and gain entry.  The interior to the garage contained a significant number of items that contributed to an increased fire load and inhibited crews from easily gaining access to the seat of the fire.

Once the overhead door was opened crews were able to gain access to the interior and extinguish the fire. 

The fire investigator has completed the on-scene examination and has concluded the fire started as a result of improperly disposed woodstove ash.  Damages are estimated at $75,000.00.

The Saskatoon Fire Department reminds all users of wood burning appliances, including fire pits, to be diligent when disposing of ash after a fire as there may be hot embers that can cause unintended fires.

The Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call at 8:41 pm on Sunday December 27, 2020 reporting a house fire on the 700 block of Trent Crescent.  Dispatched to the scene were three engines a ladder, rescue, battalion chief and fire investigator.

The first arriving firefighters observed light smoke from the home and proceeded to advance hose lines into the building.  A search confirmed all occupants had evacuated, one who suffered burns to their hands.

The fire investigation has determined a cardboard box containing refuse was set alight to dispose of the contents.  Unfortunately, this occurred inside the house and the occupants were not able to remove the box to the outside before it got out of control.

Damage caused by this fire is estimated to be $150, 000.00.