Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

At approximately 8:01 a.m. on May 20, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a boarded-up residential property on fire in the 1600 block of Avenue C North. Four fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief have been committed to this incident.

Upon arrival, heavy smoke and flame conditions were observed. Firefighters immediately began connecting to nearby hydrants and evacuating neighbouring properties. Defensive ground-level and aerial attacks were initiated to gain control of the fire and protect surrounding exposures. All utilities supplying the property had previously been terminated. A partial collapse occurred minutes prior to the fire being brought under control at approximately 9:00 a.m. Firefighters remain on scene monitoring for flare-ups and performing overhaul efforts. The Saskatoon Police Service assisted in restricting traffic flow through the area for the duration of this incident.

A fire investigator is beginning to process the scene; an investigative update will be provided upon additional information becoming known.

At approximately 4:54 p.m. on May 19, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a growing grass fire in the Rural Municipality of Corman Park near Highway 16 East and Market Drive. One fire engine, one water tanker, and one brush truck were dispatched for response.

Upon arrival, fire crews noted an area of grass on fire adjacent to a set of train tracks. A separate fire, believed to be associated with the first reported fire, was observed approximately 1.5-kilometres away. Fire crews have contained both fires and continue to extinguish hot spots in the area. There have been no reported injuries as a result of this incident and no structures were at risk of becoming involved.

The Corman Park Police Service has responded and is assisting with traffic control in the area. A confirmed cause and damage estimate will not be provided by the Saskatoon Fire Department.

At approximately 12:43 p.m. on May 19, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department was alerted by the Saskatoon Police Service to a person at risk on the University Bridge. One fire engine, two water rescue units, and support officials were dispatched to the scene.

Water rescue units were immediately deployed onto the South Saskatchewan River. While navigating the waterway towards the University Bridge, the commanding fire officer alerted rescuers of a confirmed person in the water. Firefighters worked from the shoreline to maintain visual contact as rescuers approached the location by boat. One female patient was removed from the water and medically assessed; she has been transported to hospital for treatment of what are believed to be minor injuries.

Firefighters concluded their work on scene and have returned to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon.

At approximately 6:21 p.m. on May 18, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a mutual aid request from the Whitecap Dakota First Nation to assist in controlling a working residential structure fire. Two fire engines, one rescue unit, one water tanker, one brush truck, and one battalion chief were immediately dispatched for response. It was reported that a neighbour had alerted and assisted in evacuating all occupants from the involved structure.

While responding, firefighters were notified of the fire being brought under control by the on-scene volunteer fire department; all responding fire apparatus from the Saskatoon Fire Department were canceled with the exception of one fire engine and one battalion chief continuing to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed a working residential structure fire and began assisting the volunteer fire department from the Whitecap Dakota First Nation in continuing extinguishment of the fire.

There were no injuries to fire or civilian personnel as a result of this incident. The structure involved has been extensively damaged; however, as this area falls outside of the Saskatoon Fire Department's investigative jurisdiction, a confirmed cause and damage estimate will not be provided.

The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes to correct the name of the wildlife agency that had requested the investigation into the possible entrapment of a pelican in the weir on the evening of May 17, 2020. The agency involved was the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan, not the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation as was previously reported. The Saskatoon Fire Department apologizes for this error. 

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At approximately 8:22 p.m. on May 17, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a request from the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation to investigate the possible entrapment of a pelican in the weir. One fire engine, one water rescue unit, one specialized water rescue craft, and support officials attended the scene.

The specialized water rescue craft, designed to operate effectively in unpredictable conditions, was deployed onto the South Saskatchewan River at the weir. The craft was maneuvered along the weir's boil towards the pelican; however, upon reaching the animal it began to swim away from the rescuers in the craft. Firefighters confirmed that the pelican was not in distress or caught on anything in the water and retreated from the rescue operation. 

The Saskatoon Fire Department has concluded on scene and firefighters have returned to their stations to continue serving citizens. The pelican's status will be monitored in the coming days and rescuers will re-deploy if required. 

At approximately 8:22 p.m. on May 17, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a request from the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation to investigate the possible entrapment of a pelican in the weir. One fire engine, one water rescue unit, one specialized water rescue craft, and support officials attended the scene.

The specialized water rescue craft, designed to operate effectively in unpredictable conditions, was deployed onto the South Saskatchewan River at the weir. The craft was maneuvered along the weir's boil towards the pelican; however, upon reaching the animal it began to swim away from the rescuers in the craft. Firefighters confirmed that the pelican was not in distress or caught on anything in the water and retreated from the rescue operation. 

The Saskatoon Fire Department has concluded on scene and firefighters have returned to their stations to continue serving citizens. The pelican's status will be monitored in the coming days and rescuers will re-deploy if required. 

At approximately 3:03 p.m. on May 16, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department responded with two fire engines, two water tankers, two brush trucks, and one battalion chief to reports of a significant grass fire that had involved a structure in Corman Park. 

Upon arrival, fire crews confirmed the reports of a grass fire involving a structure and immediately began establishing water supplies to extinguish the fire. One structure has been lost as a result of this fire. Fire crews remain on scene and an update will be provided upon additional information becoming known.

At approximately 9:29 a.m. on May 16, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a single 911 call alerting to a small grass fire in the Furdale district of Corman Park. One fire engine, one water tanker, and one brush truck attended the scene. 

Upon arrival, the commanding fire officer noted a small grass fire that was confined to an area of brush and miscellaneous items in the yard; no structures were at risk of becoming involved. Firefighters brought the fire under control within 12 minutes of arriving on scene. It is understood that this fire was accidentally set; however, as this area falls outside of the Saskatoon Fire Department's investigative jurisdiction, a confirmed cause and damage estimate will not be provided. 

There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident and fire crews have since returned to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon and surrounding area.

At approximately 7:31 a.m. on May 15, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received internal radio communication from the Saskatoon Police Service alerting to a deck on fire in the 400 block of Avenue S South. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Firefighters arrived on scene in less than four minutes to find a small section of the rear deck on a boarded-up residential property involved in fire. The fire was brought under control within three minutes of the first fire engine arriving on scene. Fire crews forced entry into the structure to perform searches; no occupants were located inside and no further extension of the fire was found.

This fire is considered to be suspicious in nature. A fire investigator is working to identify a cause and assess the damage.

The Saskatoon Fire Department would like to remind residents and visitors of safe practices for purchasing, enjoying, and disposing of fireworks. This Victoria Day, Monday, May 18^th, low-hazard fireworks can only be discharged on private property between the hours of dusk and 11:00 p.m.

Low-hazard fireworks are designed for public recreational use and include roman candles and sparklers, among others, and travel less than 50m (160ft) high.

High-hazard fireworks are designed for professionals and can only be purchased by persons holding a valid Fireworks Supervisor – Level I or Level II card issued by Natural Resources Canada.

Residents and visitors are reminded of the risks and obligations associated with fireworks:

• Carefully read and follow the manufacturer instructions,
• Exercise increased caution when handling and discharging any type of firework,
• Choose your location wisely, noting that fireworks can only be discharged on private property,
• Ensure your location is free of overhead obstructions, is clear side-to-side, and is a safe distance from combustible materials,
• Familiarize yourself with the space requirements for the type of firework being discharged; requirements vary depending on the firework type,
• Be sure to properly stabilize the firework according to manufacturer direction, and
• Keep in mind that you are solely responsible for any debris that may land on your spectators or another’s property.

After dusk, when you are ready to discharge the fireworks, ensure that it is not windy and that all spectators are safely located to observe the display. Remember to always light the fuse at its tip; other than sparklers, never light or hold a lit firework in your hand. Always have a water supply available when discharging fireworks.

Wait at least 30 minutes before beginning the clean-up process. At that time, it’s a good idea to dispose of used fireworks and debris in a pail of water. Never try to relight or fix the fuse on fireworks that didn’t go off.

Always be extremely careful when discharging fireworks. The debris or smoldering embers could cause injuries, property damage, and/or fires.

Currently, there is no fire ban in effect for the City of Saskatoon. Fire bans are in effect in surrounding communities; please consult your rural municipality for information specific to your community. If you choose to celebrate Victoria Day by sending off your own fireworks, please follow all recommended safety practices and comply with public health orders, including physical distancing measures and public gathering restrictions, relative to COVID-19.

The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and healthy Victoria Day!