Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Saskatoon News Releases
Fire Chief Morgan Hackl to retire in new year
December 11, 2023 - 8:28 am
- Relocation and construction of Station No. 3 and Station No.5, to optimize response times throughout our community
- Incident Command structure during the Humboldt bus tragedy
- Vision and realization of a regional training facility for fire and emergency services
- Collaboration with 50 community agencies to support the City of Saskatoon and residents through COVID-19
- Proactive work related to homelessness using a whole-community approach, including community safety partnerships with Saskatoon Police Service, community-based organizations and other levels of government
- Partnership with Saskatchewan Health Authority to establish the Overdose Outreach Team pilot
- Regional Emergency Management Organization involving multiple municipalities
- Growing opportunities for youth through the FIRE Cadet program
- Creation and delivery of a four-year Strategic Plan
After 36 years of service with the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD), Fire Chief Morgan Hackl announces he will retire from the City of Saskatoon. Chief Hackl’s final day of service is yet to be finalized but is expected to occur before the end of March 2024.
“I have always wanted to lead an organization that would make a difference in our community,” Hackl says. “I hope that during my time here the Saskatoon Fire Department has helped build a city that is a better place to live, work, learn and play.”
Hackl has been a member of SFD for 36 years, starting as a firefighter and moving up to captain. He later served as battalion chief and assistant chief before being promoted to his current role of Fire Chief in 2015.
During his eight years as Fire Chief, Hackl’s leadership has had many successes. Among them include:
Most recently, in September the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs recognized Chief Hackl with the 2023 National Fire Chief of the Year Award for his work on community safety and well-being and for building partnerships.
City Manager Jeff Jorgenson says he accepted Chief Hackl's decision to retire with mixed emotions, extending gratitude for not only his tenure as Fire Chief but also for his dedicated 36 years of service to the City of Saskatoon.
“Saskatoon and area are stronger communities because of Chief Hackl’s vision. He has continuously taken a non-traditional approach to public safety initiatives and has embraced out-of-the box thinking.”
Jorgenson also notes Chief Hackl’s most notable accomplishment is his ability to forge important partnerships and build relationships that engage all partners in problem solving and shared leadership. Chief Hackl's influence has stretched across dozens of prominent organizations focused on health care, social services, education, community safety, and truth and reconciliation.
“The development of the regional training facility, establishing the Overdose Outreach Team, and Saskatoon Fire Department’s whole-community approach to safety and well-being are operational examples of Chief Hackl’s leadership.
“It takes vision and courage to lead the way Chief Hackl does and as an organization we congratulate Chief Hackl on his much-deserved retirement.”
Structure Fire - 3100 Block of 37th Street West
December 3, 2023 - 9:33 am
At 1:14 a.m. on December 3, 2023, the Saskatoon Fire Department Communications Center received a report of a structure fire in the 3100 block of 37th Street West with someone unable to evacuate from the backyard. Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched. First arriving fire crew at 1:19 a.m. reported fully involved structure. Unable to enter rear of property due to extent of fire upon arrival. Incoming fire apparatus were assigned their tactical duties. Neighboring houses were confirmed to be evacuated. Occupant in the backyard was able to be brought to the front of the property. Police on scene reported the structure on fire had no occupants inside. Utilities were shut down for safety on the fire ground. Fire Investigator was requested.
Fire crews brought the fire under control at 1:58 a.m. Fire crews completed full extinguishment and packing up of tools at 3:14 a.m. Fire scene was turned over to the Fire Investigator.
No injuries to civilians or firefighters resulted from this fire.
Fire Investigation was not able to be performed due to structural instability of the area of origin. Fire originated in the interior of the attached garage of the single family dwelling unit. Damage from this fire is estimated at $450,000.
Our partners at Saskatoon Police Service are continuing their portion of the fire investigation. Cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.
The property is being secured by fencing at this time.
Fire and Protective Services Bylaw updated to align with provincial legislation
November 23, 2023 - 8:25 am
- Installed within five metres (16 feet) of a sleeping room and within rooms where there is a fuel-fired appliance such as a natural gas stove, fireplace, furnace or water heater.
- Connected to a continuous source of power either from batteries or electricity.
- Inspected at least every three months for alkaline battery-operated alarms and at least 12 months for lithium and hard-wired alarms.
- Not tampered with, disconnected or removed.
At the City Council Regular Business Meeting on November 22, 2023, City Council approved the proposed update to Bylaw No. 7990, The Fire and Protective Services Bylaw, 2001. The amendments enhance the minimum standards for carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to be in alignment with provincial legislation and the National Fire Code.
CO is an odourless, colourless, tasteless, deadly gas created by burning fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane and oil. Elevated levels of carbon monoxide can cause illness or death before people even know it is there.
“This update to Bylaw No. 7990 is a preventative measure that will help save lives,” says Assistant Chief Yvonne Raymer. “While a bylaw will help our Fire Inspectors address compliance, our enforcement approach will always prioritize education and collaboration as our primary courses of action.”
To comply with the amended Bylaw, residents should make sure their smoke and CO alarms are:
For additional information about CO safety, visit saskatoon.ca/carbonmonoxide.
Update - 100 Block of Zeman Crescent
November 14, 2023 - 8:49 am
This is an update and follow up to the fire that occurred in the 100 Block of Zeman Crescent.
Cause of the fire is undetermined.
The five cats were alive at the time of their evacuation by the Saskatoon Fire Department with the Fire Investigator retrieving the last cat during the scene examination. Both properties have been boarded and secured. The gates to the yard with the pool are locked. All occupants of both properties were outside upon SFD's arrival.
The Fire Investigator is issuing repair orders on both structures and will work with the owners and/or their respective insurance companies in the following months.
Structure Fire - 100 Block of Zeman Crescent
November 14, 2023 - 8:06 am
At 3:44 p.m. on November 13, 2023, the Saskatoon Fire Department Communications Center received a report of a structure fire in the 100 block of Zeman Crescent. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, a ladder truck and the Battalion Chief were dispatched. Fire arriving fire crews reported a two storey house fully involved. An immediate exterior extinguishment was initiated. All incoming fire crews were assigned their tactical duties. Utilities were requested to be shut down for scene safety. A Fire Investigator was requested.
At 3: 52 p.m., the neighboring house caught fire. Fire crews maintained their exterior extinguishment to minimize the amount of fire damage to the neighboring structure. At 4:12 p.m., fire crews switched from an interior attack to an exterior attack only due to the extent of fire at both properties. Some hazards fire crews were monitoring and aware of were an inground pool and a chimney at risk of collapse. At 4:36 p.m., the chimney collapsed, no one was injured. The fire was brought under control at 4:42 p.m.
No occupants were inside at the time of SFD's arrival. No civilians or firefighters were injured during this fire. Five cats were retrieved from a home after the fire was brought under control.
Fire Investigator states the fire started between the two structures on the exterior. Damage is estimated at $500,000 to the house of origin and $250,000 to the neighboring house that was exposed to the fire. No cause of the fire has been determined at this point.
Structure fire - 100 Block of Brainerd Crescent
November 8, 2023 - 2:46 pm
At 1:52 p.m. on November 8, 2023, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a report of an attached garage on fire in the 100 block of Brainerd Crescent. Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched. First arriving fire crews reported smoke showing from an attached garage of a single family dwelling unit. All incoming fire crews were assigned their tactical duties. The Fire Investigator was requested to attend. At 2:14 p.m., the main portion of the fire was knocked down with an under control being declared at 2:17 p.m. Fire crews searched the entire home and found the fire to be contained to the garage.
No one was home at the time of fire. No injuries to civilians or firefighters occurred as a result of this fire.
More information will be provided after the SFD Fire Investigator conducts a cause and origin, scene examination.
Motor vehicle hits building at 25th Street & 3rd Avenue
November 7, 2023 - 4:39 pm
At 2:48 p.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department received notification of a vehicle leaving the road and striking a building at 25th Street and 3rd Avenue on November 7, 2023. Dispatched to the scene were one fire engine and one rescue unit. Fire crews arrived at 2:51 p.m. and identified a vehicle that had struck a building's balcony. Primary focus was on patient care. A male was attended to by the Saskatoon Fire Department paramedics whose care was transferred to the ambulance company. He was transported with unknown injuries.
Fire crews ensured the building was stable. A tow truck pulled the vehicle away from the building and assisted with pulling the damaged balcony from the building. A construction crew conducting interior renovations was on site and will be conducting immediate repairs to the balcony.
No other injuries were sustained as a result of this collision.
The Saskatoon Fire Department wants to thank motorists and pedestrians for their patience while they conducted their work.
Saskatoon Fire Department hosts its first live-fire training at new facility
November 3, 2023 - 1:30 pm
The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) officially hosted its first training course this week at the new regional training facility located in Corman Park on Range Road 3053.
From October 31 to November 3, 2023, future Fire Service Instructors from SFD, Warman Fire Rescue and Martensville Fire Department participated in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1403 Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions course. This course provides participants with the credentials needed to conduct live fire training. The program focuses on recognizing the evolving state of a fire and understanding the water application techniques needed to ensure firefighter safety while successfully controlling the environment and extinguishing the fire.
The NFPA 1403 course is taught by four SFD Fire Service Instructors who were sent to Alberta and Manitoba to obtain their credentials in 2022. SFD’s Staff Development & Safety team has plans to have all firefighters complete the live-fire training under the newly certified Fire Service Instructors by the end of 2024.
“This is the first time in over a decade that SFD has been able to conduct this type of realistic and repeatable hands-on experience for our Fire Service Instructors after decommissioning the training building that was located at Station No. 1,” says Anthony Tataryn, SFD Assistant Fire Chief. “We’re very fortunate to have our staff complete training here at home and we’re pleased that Martensville and Warman’s fire services could join in this training opportunity.”
“Working with the Fire Service Instructor trainers from SFD this week has been great. The opportunity to learn the props and how the accompanying skills are designed to be taught will help all of our instructors duplicate a high level of training and safety for our firefighters,” says Fire Chief Russ Austin, Warman Fire Rescue.
Deputy Chief Dean Brooman of the Martensville Fire Department adds, “Martensville Fire Department appreciates the opportunity to train on NFPA 1403 Live Fire Training with Saskatoon Fire Department and Warman Fire Department. The joint use training facility will allow us to learn from each other and take back this knowledge to the members of our department. We look forward to future training at this facility and the exciting things to come out of our partnership.”
Phase one of the Regional Training Facility was completed in the fall of 2023 and included land servicing and relocation of existing structures. Development of the training site and its stormwater management includes a number of natural infrastructure components that are being funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Natural Infrastructure Fund. Further phases will follow based on engagement with partners and stakeholders.
For more information about the regional training facility, visit saskatoon.ca/regional-training-facility.
Fall Prevention Month: Raising awareness, reducing risk
November 1, 2023 - 10:00 am
During the month of November, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) will be focused on raising awareness about fall prevention and fall-related injuries in older adults in recognition of Fall Prevention Month.
In Canada, individuals aged 85 and older are three times more likely to die in a fire. Each year, older adults account for approximately one-third of fire-related deaths, despite comprising only 14% of the population. The statistics related to falls are equally concerning. Falls are the most common injury among older Canadians and over one-third of older adults who experience a fall and then require hospitalization are placed in long-term care.
As Canada’s aging population continues to grow and more older adults are living independently, the need for fall prevention education becomes increasingly urgent. To combat these rising numbers, SFD works with residents, volunteers and community partners to reinforce fire and fall prevention messaging amongst older adults. Formerly titled, Remembering When™, the updated Steps to Safety™ program delivers a professional training curriculum to support learning and behaviour change. The program is centred around 16 key safety messages – eight fire prevention and eight fall prevention. The goal of the program is to help older adults eliminate fire and fall hazards in their environment so that they can stay in their homes as long as they would like.
In 2022, SFD responded to 1,495 lift assist requests, which is a 16% increase from 2021. As of October 1, 2023, SFD has responded to 1,291 lift requests.
"SFD’s firefighter-paramedics provide lift assists to people who fall and are unable to get up," says Assistant Chief Yvonne Raymer. "By connecting with older adults and helping them identify risks within their own homes, we're mitigating potential falls and helping our older population live more healthy and independent lives."
SFD also includes online training for Personal Care Home staff. The training encompasses seven modules, each followed by a quiz. The goal of the training is to help Continuing Care Aids understand what actions they can take or actions they can encourage their residents to take so that fires and falls can be prevented. The training is available at saskatoon.ca/ststraining.
More recently, SFD expanded its fall prevention efforts to also include online education for family caregivers. The information is broken down into six tips to prevent fires and seven tips to prevent falls. Each tip is represented by a short video and an informational PDF. The tips include small changes that can be implemented to keep the family member safer in their environment. The caregiver education is available at saskatoon.ca/stscaregivers.
Raymer adds, "Our Community Relations team is very excited to introduce these new learning opportunities to Personal Care Home staff and family caregivers. Our goal is to educate as many people as possible so they can use the information to enhance the lives of their residents or family members and ultimately lower the number of lift assists required by SFD."
To book a Steps to Safety group presentation or home visit, call 306-975-7715. For more information about the Steps to Safety program and fall prevention tips, visit saskatoon.ca/stepstosafety.