Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

At approximately 3:07 a.m. on April 16, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a single 911 call reporting a basement filling with smoke; the caller and lone occupant was instructed by fire dispatchers to immediately self-evacuate to a safe location. 

Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Upon arrival, fire crews prepared hose lines and made entry into the basement; a small fire was located in the bathroom and was fully extinguished within 20 minutes of first receiving notification of the incident. One middle-aged male was medically assessed on-scene for the effects of smoke inhalation; his exposure is believed to be minimal. Ventilation of the structure was conducted using electric fans to clear any remaining smoke and toxins. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation by both the Saskatoon Fire Department and the Saskatoon Police Service. Damage has been estimated at approximately $10,000.

The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes to correct the address of a structure fire that occurred on April 14, 2020; the correct address is 216 Avenue F South, not 201 as was previously reported. 

Fire crews remained on scene into the early evening to perform overhaul efforts and extinguish remaining hot spots. A loss stopped was declared at approximately 6:09 p.m.

The fire, being jointly investigated by the Saskatoon Fire Department and the Saskatoon Police Service, has been identified as incendiary; it originated on the main level and quickly extended upwards through to the attic of the structure. The structure is considered a total loss with an estimated $200,000 in damage.

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At approximately 2:58 p.m. on April 14, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call alerting to a possible structure fire in the 200 block of Avenue F South.

Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Upon arrival of the first responding fire engine, a working structure fire at an abandoned and unoccupied house was confirmed; flames were visibly exiting from the back of the structure. The commanding fire officer ordered a defensive attack on the fire; firefighters immediately began preparing hydrants and flowing water to begin extinguishment while a laddered connection was made to allow fire crews to breach exterior access points on the upper level and roof of the structure.

All utilities to the structure have been shut off by firefighters or were previously disconnected by utility technicians.

Fire crews have transitioned into an offensive attack on the fire; searches are being performed to confirm vacancy and to identify areas of extension of the fire.

The Saskatoon Police Service have traffic restrictions in place and members of the public are asked to avoid the area. 

This incident is ongoing and an update will be provided as additional information becomes know. 

At approximately 2:51 p.m. on April 14, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call from an employee of a business reporting a suspected electrical fire 50-feet above ground-level inside a warehouse.

Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, and one battalion chief were dispatched for immediate response. 

Upon arrival, fire crews observed employees evacuating the business; firefighter-paramedics confirmed there to be no injuries to any of the occupants that had been inside the building. Fire crews used a mechanical lift owned by the business to elevate themselves towards the location of the suspected electrical issue. A large refrigeration appliance was warm to the touch and firefighters identified an area of electrical concern.

Smoke was visible; however, no fire was located. It is believed that melting heat tape near a compressor was the source of the smoke.

The Saskatoon Fire Department has concluded on scene and the building has been turned over to management and a qualified electrician.

At approximately 2:58 p.m. on April 14, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call alerting to a possible structure fire in the 200 block of Avenue F South.

Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Upon arrival of the first responding fire engine, a working structure fire at an abandoned and unoccupied house was confirmed; flames were visibly exiting from the back of the structure. The commanding fire officer ordered a defensive attack on the fire; firefighters immediately began preparing hydrants and flowing water to begin extinguishment while a laddered connection was made to allow fire crews to breach exterior access points on the upper level and roof of the structure.

All utilities to the structure have been shut off by firefighters or were previously disconnected by utility technicians.

Fire crews have transitioned into an offensive attack on the fire; searches are being performed to confirm vacancy and to identify areas of extension of the fire.

The Saskatoon Police Service have traffic restrictions in place and members of the public are asked to avoid the area. 

This incident is ongoing and an update will be provided as additional information becomes know. 

At approximately 11:10 p.m. on April 10, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls with reports varying from smoke in the area to visible flames exiting a structure in the 300 block of Avenue P South.

Five fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were committed to this incident.

Upon arrival of the first responding fire engine, a fully involved residential structure with flames exiting through the back was observed. It was believed that the structure was abandoned and unoccupied. All utilities servicing the structure were shut down by fire crews or previously disconnected. Fire dispatchers called utility technicians to the scene to monitor power and gas supply lines in the area; one overhead power line was purposefully cut down to provide unobstructed overhead access for an aerial attack on the fire.

The commanding fire officer ordered a defensive attack to preserve neighbouring properties and gain control of the fire. Fire crews used hose lines at the ground level to attack the fire while additional firefighters breached the roof of the structure to allow access for an aerial attack on the interior. The fire was brought under control at approximately 1:03 a.m. on April 11, 2020. Fire crews remain on scene to extinguish hot spots and perform overhaul efforts.

The Saskatoon Police Service restricted access to the area for the duration of this incident to aid in providing a safe environment for first responders and nearby citizens.

The fire is believed to be suspicious in nature and is being investigated by both the Saskatoon Fire Department and the Saskatoon Police Service. A damage estimate is not available at this time; however, damage to the structure is extensive.

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