Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

At 9:20 a.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a 9-1-1 call requesting fire crews check the levels of carbon monoxide (CO) inside a 6-unit townhouse. The previous evening, a CO alarm sounded in the townhouse and one occupant woke up feeling dizzy in the morning. One fire engine, one ladder truck and the Battalion Chief were dispatched to the 1100 block of McKercher Drive. 

First arriving fire crews identified elevated CO levels within one of the units. Fire crews expanded the CO testing to other suites, finding variances of 12-100 ppm in the affected townhouse. SaskEnergy was requested to attend. 

During the initial search of the townhouse, fire crews found three persons exhibiting signs of CO exposure during initial contact. The persons were immediately moved outdoors where SFD paramedics continued their assessment. The occupants’ CO levels returned to normal once they were exposed to fresh air. No one was transported to hospital.

Fire crews began ventilation with fans and began a search for the source of the CO.  The CO was found to be coming from a natural gas water heater that was not burning efficiently. SaskEnergy shut down the gas meter and SFD continued ventilation. CO levels began decreasing immediately. 

The gas services were locked off to the affected unit. SaskEnergy continued to assist fire crews and at 11:18 a.m. the readings for CO were down to zero. Fire crews left the scene in the control of SaskEnergy and returned to their station.

SFD would like to remind everyone that a CO is a invisible killer and a CO concern can occur at any time of the year. Early symptoms of CO exposure include feeling lightheaded, tired or dizzy. If you or another person experience these symptoms, everyone – including pets – should leave the affected area immediately and find a space outdoors where you can safely call 9-1-1.

As of July 1, 2022, the Province of Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, through the Construction Codes Act, require CO alarms to be installed in every home. A CO alarm will alert you if dangerous levels of CO are accumulating.

For additional information about carbon monoxide safety, visit saskatoon.ca/carbonmonoxide.

On August 23, 2022 at 2:33 a.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 9-1-1 call reporting a garage on fire.  Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched.  On arrival, the first arriving fire crews reported a garage with flames showing.  All incoming fire crews were assigned their duties by the Incident Commander.  The fire was brought under control at 3:10 a.m.  A Fire Investigator was requested.

The fire investigation has concluded.  Cause of the fire is suspicious with $50,000 in damage being sustained to a fence and the garage.  Fire originated from the fence and extended to the double detached garage.

If anyone has information relating to this fire, please call the Saskatoon Police Service at (306) 975-8300.

At 10:00 a.m. on August 19, 2022, a person reported directly to our fire station on Diefenbaker Drive of an accident involving two vehicles at the intersection of 22nd Street and Diefenbaker Drive.  The fire engine from the station responded to the accident and upon arrival determined that one person had sustained a minor injury.  A measuring device that contains Class 7 Radioactive material was inside an approved container being transported by one of the vehicles.  As a precaution, the area was secured, our hazmat unit and decontamination unit responded to the site. 

Our Saskatoon Fire Department Hazmat team determined it was not leaking, not damaged from the accident and not posing a concern.  A representative from the company that owned the equipment arrived on scene and also conducted tests confirming our Hazmat team's determination that the device was not leaking.  The equipment was safely transferred to another vehicle and returned to its site.

One person on scene with a minor injury declined medical treatment.  The vehicles were removed from the scene by tow trucks and the area was opened again to the public.  

Thank you for your patience during this incident and respecting emergency personnel while they conducted their work.

The Fire Investigation into the fire this morning on August 15, 2022 in the 1700 Block of Avenue D North has concluded.  Cause of the fire was determined to be accidental from improper disposal of smoking material.  The fire caused $350,000 in damages.  Nine cats were rescued by firefighters and the fire investigator prior to the Saskatoon Fire Department turning the property back to the owner.   All of the cats were reported to be doing well upon their rescue and removal from the structure.  

At 8:38 a.m. on August 15, 2022, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a report of a house fully involved in fire.  Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief responded.  First arriving fire crews confirmed this was a fully involved structure fire with heavy black smoke coming from the roof.  All incoming fire crews were assigned their tactical duties to perform on their arrival.  Power lines were down and arcing from the fire.  The natural gas line at the rear of the home was also involved in the fire.  Utility companies were requested to shut down the services for scene safety.  An SFD officer was assigned to be a safety officer at the fire scene.  Fire crews focused on extinguishing the fire from the exterior while monitoring the natural gas line on fire.  The gas company was on its way to shut down the service in a safe manner.   SaskEnergy arrived at 9:48 am.  At 10:15 a.m., the natural gas leak was not contained yet.  Scene safety and precautions continued at the fire scene while the natural gas technicians worked to stop the leak.   The structure fire has been brought under control but the natural gas line and its leak are still being worked on at this time.

Two occupants were able to evacuate at the time of the fire with one elderly male being treated for smoke inhalation and transported to hospital by the ambulance service.  

Fire crews remain on the scene at this time.  The SFD asks that residents avoid this area to allow our firefighters to work safely and ensure their equipment is not compromised.  

Fire Investigators are on the scene and will conduct a cause and origin scene exam once fire crews have concluded their active suppression of this fire. 

An update will follow once it becomes available.