Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

At 9:21 p.m. on December 31, 2021, Saskatoon City Police reported a structure fire in the 400 block of Avenue R South to the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) Communications Center.  Police saw the fire during their patrol.  Fire crews were dispatched and first arriving fire engine reported the structure was completely involved in fire.  Incoming fire crews were assigned tactical duties and a safety officer was designated for the duration of this incident.   An exterior attack of the fire was initiated on arrival with limited entry into the structure due to the amount of fire and unsafe conditions met.  The neighbouring houses were at risk of becoming involved in the fire.  Some firefighters were assigned to protect the neighbouring structures. 

A portion of the structure involved in the fire had to be taken down with an excavator at 3:19 a.m.  It was identified that a wall was at immediate risk of failing from its loss of structural strength due to fire consuming structural components and the weight of water freezing to the structure.  The take down of a portion of the building also assisted firefighters to extinguish an area of fire that couldn't be accessed from the exterior.

One resident reported as living at this structure was not accounted for during this fire and Saskatoon Police are following up.

SaskEnergy and Saskatoon Light and Power were notified to disconnect service for safety precautions.  City of Saskatoon trucks supported the fire scene by spreading sand around the streets and sidewalks due to icy conditions created by water used for extinguishment.  Police maintained traffic control and the ambulance service was on stand by.  Thank you to our partner agencies for their support.

Initially 3 fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit, the Battalion Chief and a Fire Investigator were dispatched to the scene.  Firefighters off duty were called in to operate reserve fire engines to ensure adequate resources were maintained.  Throughout the duration of this fire, 10 additional fire crews were rotated through the fire scene to avoid cold exposure and provide relief.   The fire scene was also supported by SFD's maintenance vehicles to switch out equipment during this incident.  

The Fire Investigator was not able to conduct a cause and origin scene examination.  Damage to the structure is estimated at $150,000.  The area around the structure has been fenced off and a Notice of Closure placed on the property by the SFD.  An Order to Remedy will be issued by the Fire Investigator to ensure the structure's complete demolition occurs as soon as practical.

No injuries to firefighters occurred as a result of this fire.

Fire crews responded to 36 incidents during their 14 hour night shift with this fire being one incident.  Fire crews left the scene just before 8 a.m. on January 1, 2022.   

Happy New Year, Stay Warm and Stay Safe.

At 2:55 a.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department's (SFD) Communications Centre received a report of a bungalow on fire in the 200 Block of Avenue L South.  First arriving fire engine and crew reported smoke and flames showing.  Incoming fire crews were given their tactical assignments.  A quick exterior extinguishment of the fire began.  Once the flames were knocked down then crews advanced inside.  Utility services were shut down and a firefighter was assigned as the safety officer on the scene.  Due to the extremely cold weather that was reported as feeling like -43 and base temperature of -34, fire crews were rotated through the fire scene during the incident.

Two occupants were home at the time of the fire and were reported to have evacuated without injury.  The occupants had left the scene prior to SFD's arrival.

A Fire Investigator is on scene at this time.  Damage is estimated to be $150,000 to the small structure.    An update will be provided after the completion of the investigation.  It is unknown at this time if smoke alarms were in place and working.

At 5:30 a.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department received a report of a fence on fire in the 1600 Block of Cairns Avenue.  One fire engine responded and identified a fence and barbecue area on fire.  The natural gas serving the barbecue was shut off and the fire was extinguished.  A Fire Investigator was called to conduct a cause and origin scene examination.

The Fire Investigation has concluded, barbecue was installed too close to combustible material.  Barbecue had been used and shut off at 8 p.m. the previous night with a temperature reaching 700 degrees.  A wood counter next to the barbecue smoldered during the night and caught the fence on fire.  Heat emitted from the barbecue is the source.

Cause of the fire is accidental with $5,000 damage.  

No person(s) or firefighters were injured as a result of this fire.

The Fire Investigator and the Police Investigator were able to safely enter the front portion of the business and conduct a scene examination.  Multiple extension cords throughout the business were identified.  The cause and source of the fire was an extension cord plugged into a timer that was being served by another extension cord.  Fire traveled along the cord and proceeded up the wall and into the ceiling, catching the roof components on fire.  

Damage is estimated at $500,000.  Cause of the fire is accidental.  The fire originated at the front of the business.

The property is being turned over to the property owner's agent who will be responsible for securing the structure.

The Saskatoon Fire Department will take this opportunity to remind and educate residents that extension cords should never be used as a permanent means of wiring.  Safe practice is to have all small and large appliances plugged directly into an outlet.  Extension cords are a temporary source of electricity.  Exterior extension cords are heavily insulated to "weather" the cold to supply electricity outdoors.  An example is our vehicles during the cold months use exterior extension cords as the cooler weather allows the wiring to stay cool internally.  Interior extension cords should not be plugged in for long periods of time.   They need to be unplugged so they don't overheat internally or overload an electrical circuit and cause a fire.  As a safety measure, always check the condition of your extension cords to ensure they are not frayed, damaged or showing signs of aging.  Replace extension cords as needed.  

There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters as a result of this fire.

At 6:10 p.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call reporting a possible fire in the kitchen of a convenience store.  Three fire engines, one ladder unit, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief responded.  First arriving fire crews reported a fire in the adjoining business in the center of a strip mall.  Fire crews were assigned tactical duties and work groups by the incident commander.  The Battalion Chief conducted a complete walk around the structure while firefighters hooked up the hydrant, readied hose lines and made entry into the middle business where the bulk of the fire was noted.  Battalion Chief could see heavy smoke from the front and the rear of the business.  

Firefighters began extinguishing the fire upon entry.  All utilities were shut down as well as service station pumps on the property for scene safety and necessary precautions.  At 6:25 p.m., the ceiling collapsed inside the business where the bulk of the fire was burning.  Fire crews backed off for safety reasons and continued to extinguish the fire from safe locations.  At 6:30 p.m., it was identified that the roof was sagging in a downward direction.  The Battalion Chief called for all firefighters to exit the structure for safety purposes due to risk of roof collapse.

Extinguishment continued from ladders against the building and the ladder unit without entry onto the roof.  SaskEnergy and Saskatoon Light & Power attended the scene to ensure utilities would not be a hazard or a safety concern.  At this time, fire crews remain on scene.  

The Fire Investigator is now on scene.  Police Fire Investigator will also attend. 

Further details about the fire with its cause, origin and estimated damage will be provided once available.