Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

More than a firefighting service, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) has been improving residents’ quality of life through emergency medical care for nearly 30 years.

SFD first introduced Emergency Medical Technicians in 1990, and now has over 140 Firefighter-Primary Care Paramedics providing emergency medical care throughout the city.

“We’re proud of our role as part of a primary care team of first responders, increasing the quality of life for residents and providing a level of service residents have come to expect,” says Len Protz, Battalion Chief. “With nine strategically located stations, we’re able to respond quickly when someone in our community requires urgent care.”

SFD received just over 14,000 calls to date this year, roughly 40 per cent requiring emergency medical care. In certain circumstances, the firefighter-paramedics are able to perform lifesaving interventions, which includes the administration of medications.

Yearly statistical comparisons:

“SFD provides emergency response and protection for nearly 42 billion dollars’ worth of physical assets, but what that doesn’t include is our people,” says Protz. “We’re continuously looking at ways we can improve the services we provide to citizens, keeping their safety and wellness at the forefront.”

Treatment and medications administered by firefighter-paramedics have expanded over the past thirty years. Notably, the introduction of the automated external defibrillator (AED) in the mid-90s and Naloxone, an important drug used to combat the opioid overdose crisis, in January 2017.

Other medications administered by firefighter-paramedics include: Dextrose for hypoglycemic diabetic emergencies, Epinephrine (Adrenaline) for severe allergic reactions, and Atrovent and Salbutamol (bronchodilators) used for persons in severe respiratory distress.

Most recently, in conjunction with the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics protocols, the SFD added Penthrox, a non-opioid gaseous analgesic used for pain relief, to be able to treat persons experiencing moderate to severe pain associated with trauma.

Building and upgrading skills has also been a focus over the years. On January 1, 2018, SFD made the transition from Emergency Medical Technicians to Primary Care Paramedics (2011 National Occupancy Competency Profile) with nearly half of SFD’s operational staff registered with the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics.  In addition, more than 50 staff who were previously Primary Care Paramedics or Emergency Medical Technicians are now Registered Medical First Responders, a further upgrade of skills and lifesaving abilities available within the Department.

Through continued working relationships with the International Association of Firefighters Local 80, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Medavie Health Services West and the Saskatoon Police Service, SFD works toward the common goal of community service in saving lives and serving the citizens of our community.

The Saskatoon Fire Department’s emergency medical services further the City’s Strategic Goal of Quality of Life for Citizens in prioritizing the safety of the entire community.

At approximately 9:10 this morning, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of 58th Street East and Miners Avenue. The caller reported a collision between a semi tractor-trailer and a car with the possibility of the car's lone occupant being trapped inside.

Two fire engines, one rescue unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response.

Upon arrival of the first responding fire engine, the entrapment of a middle-aged male driver in a Chevrolet Cruze was confirmed. The patient was observed in stable condition with firefighter-paramedics performing a medical assessment and providing care inside the damaged vehicle. Firefighters prepared the vehicle for the extrication process by stabilizing it and disconnecting the battery; the driver's door was cut from the vehicle using hydraulic rescue tools, freeing the trapped patient.

The patient was transported to hospital by ambulance in stable condition. Fire crews performed a clean-up of the scattered debris before concluding on scene. The scene was left with the Saskatoon Police Service.

There were no injuries or exposures to fire department personnel as a result of this incident.

At approximately 11:22 this morning, the Saskatoon Fire Department and Emergency Management Organization were alerted by the Saskatoon Police Service to a suspicious substance found in a mail processing facility located at 115 Avenue H South.

One fire engine, one haz-mat unit, one decontamination unit, one mobile command unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for immediate response. 

Upon arrival of the first responding fire engine, two employees of the facility that had come into contact with the substance were placed into isolation and the facility was evacuated and secured. The Emergency Management Organization notified the Saskatoon Public Schools Division and brought a representative on site to ensure operations with a nearby school were not affected. On arrival of the haz-mat unit and decontamination unit, a plan was established and crews prepared for entry to the facility; haz-mat crews performed tests of the substance involved and quickly confirmed it to be non-hazardous.

The Saskatoon Police Service restricted traffic in the area for the duration of this incident. The Saskatoon Fire Department and the Emergency Management Organization have concluded on scene and the facility has been turned back over to management.

There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident and there is no risk to public safety. 

At approximately 8:51 this morning, the Saskatoon Fire Department and Emergency Management Organization were alerted by the Saskatoon Police Service to a suspicious package containing an unknown substance in a commercial retail warehouse located at 225 Betts Avenue.

One fire engine, one haz-mat unit, one decontamination unit, one mobile command unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for immediate response.

Upon arrival, fire crews confirmed incident details and placed two employees and two police officers into isolation as a precaution. The affected area was confined to the back shipping and receiving room; the Saskatoon Police Service restricted entry to the building and all customers who had been shopping at the time were instructed to shelter in place.

Available information had indicated the possibility of a hazardous substance within the package. Haz-mat crews prepared for entry and began conducting tests of the unknown substance. All tests produced negative results and were confirmed to be non-hazardous. The individuals who had been placed into isolation were released and all customers were permitted to exit the building.

There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident and there is no risk to public safety.

The Saskatoon Fire Department and the Emergency Management Organization have concluded on scene and this incident has been left with the Saskatoon Police Service. 

On Tuesday Nov. 5th, 2019 at approximately 9:12 p.m. the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a structure fire in the 900 blk of Central Ave.  Callers reported smoke coming from a fireworks business.  A total of 5 engines, 1 heavy rescue, 1 aerial ladder, a battalion chief and a fire investigator responded through out the duration of the incident.  Initial arriving crews found smoke coming from the roof and front of the building.  Crews made on offensive interior attack in an attempt to locate the seat of the fire.  Once crews were inside they encountered heavy smoke and reported zero visibility and had to deal with the fireworks exploding all around them.  The building gas and power were disconnected as a precaution.  Police blocked off the streets around the fire scene and neighbouring businesses were also evacuated.  The stubborn fire was under control in 2 hrs and 19 minutes. 

A fire investigator is currently on scene trying to determine a cause.  At this time no damage estimate is available.

There were no injuries as a result of this fire.

Just after 3:00 this afternoon, Saskatoon Fire Department received a report of house on fire at the 100 Block of Olmstead Road, in the Fairhaven area. Three Engines, one Rescue Unit, one Ladder Company, and one Battalion Chief were dispatched. 

On arrival, the first crew noted heavy smoke exiting a basement window from the rear of one side of the structure. It was reported on scene that all occupants from both residences had self-evacuated before arrival of Fire crews. An attack hose line was used to knock down the fire and cool the interior through the rear side basement window.  That allowed tenable conditions for search crews to enter the fire area for complete extinguishment and to verify there were no other occupants inside. 

Once the fire was contained and under control, fans were used to clear smoke from the home. Crews ensured there was no fire extension to the upper level of the home nor the adjoining suite.

A Fire Investigator is on scene. The cause has not yet been determined and  a damage estimate has not been given. 

Fortunately, no injuries were sustained by anyone due to this incident. 

Saskatoon Fire Department responds to an Apartment Fire at 403 Avenue P South

At 05:38 this evening The Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting an apartment was on fire at 403 Avenue P South. 

Three Engines an Aerial Ladder a Rescue Truck and a Battalion Chief were dispatched to the scene.

First arriving crews arrived and found a three storey residential apartment with smoke visible from a third level balcony.  Crews entered the apartment building and encountered smoke on the third level.  An evacuation and a search for possible trapped occupants was conducted.  Crews found a fire on the floor inside one of the apartments.  The fire was extinguished and power ventilation fans were used to clear the smoke from the building. 

There were no injuries reported as a result of this fire.

A Fire Investigation Unit was called to the scene and the cause of the fire has been determined to be careless smoking. 

Damages are estimated at $20,000.

At approximately 17:55 tonight Saskatoon fire department received a 911 call form the midtown mall reporting smoke and a possible electrical fire in a mechanical room in the parkade of the mall.

Three Engines, One Ladder truck, one Rescue truck and a Battalion chef were dispatched to the call. On arrival fire crews found a significant amount of smoke in the parkade, an addition fire engine was called to respond at that time.

Upon further investigation fire crews found that a large breaker had failed in  electrical room, the resulted in arcing produced a large amount of smoke. All electrical sources were secured off by fire crews and building maintenance.

Fire crews assisted mall security with ensuring the building was evacuated and closed.

An investigator was called to the scene, the incident is under investigation but is not suspicious. There is no damage estimate at this time.   

The Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a fire in a piece of machinery located in a Large Commercial Metal Manufacturing Building at approximately 9:57 this evening. Two Fire Engines, one Water Tanker, one Brush Truck, one Rescue Unit, and a Battalion Chief were dispatched to the incident.

Upon arrival, black smoke was seen coming from the building. Fire crews determined that the fire was in the filtration system of a piece of equipment used in metal processing. The filters were removed from the machine and extinguished. Fire crews remained on scene to clear the structure of smoke.

There were no injuries as a result of this incident.

A damage estimate is not available at this time.

The Saskatoon Fire Department is concluding on scene of a structure fire in the 1100 block of 3rd Avenue North.

Initial reports of this incident had indicated maintenance work being conducted on the roof of the structure; all maintenance personnel had made it off of the roof and were accounted for prior to the arrival of the first responding fire engine. Additionally, all employees of the affected businesses had self-evacuated to a safe location. 

Once on scene, firefighters shut off the gas supply to the structure while fire dispatchers requested utility technicians to shut down remaining utilities.

Upon gaining access to the roof, firefighters worked from both the exterior and interior to locate the fire. Once located, fire crews worked diligently to contain the fire to the area of origin, limiting the extent of the damage and protecting the fire from further involving the roof. Additionally, fire crews brought in salvage covers in an attempt to protect retail merchandise from the effects of firefighting efforts. A variety of chainsaws, poke-poles, and axes were used to search for extension of the fire throughout the structure.

One additional fire engine was later requested to attend due to the challenging location of the fire and significant work efforts that fire crews had been conducting on scene.

Once fully extinguished, firefighters established ventilation using electric fans to clear the structure of remaining smoke and carbon monoxide.

A fire investigator is on scene working to determine a cause. A damage estimate is not available at this time.

An update will be provided upon conclusion of the investigative findings.

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At approximately 4:42 this afternoon, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls alerting to a business on fire at 1102 3rd Avenue North. 

Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief have currently been deployed to the fire scene.

Upon arrival of the first responding fire crew, smoke could be observed exiting the roof of the structure. Firefighters immediately established a laddered connection to the roof and began investigating to identify a source of the smoke. 

Firefighting efforts are ongoing and members of the public are being asked to avoid the area of 3rd Avenue North and 33rd Street East due to the large presence of emergency vehicles and personnel working on scene.

An update will be provided as additional information becomes known.