Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

At approximately 6:32 p.m. on July 5, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting multiple persons in distress in the South Saskatchewan River near the Gordie Howe Bridge and the Queen Elizabeth Power Station. Two fire engines, two water rescue units, and one battalion chief were immediately dispatched for response.

Both water rescue units deployed onto the river from an emergency boat launch as additional fire crews responded by ground to the reported area for visual confirmation. Upon arrival, it was confirmed that four females on two inflatable crafts were in distress and trapped against a concrete structure in the river; one of the females was observed to be in the water and unable to support herself. One firefighter trained in surface water rescue entered the river for recovery of the first patient; a complication with one of the inflatable crafts resulted in the firefighter making a second entry into the water for recovery of another patient; remaining patients were brought into the boat directly from the inflatable crafts. None of the four were wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs) or lifejackets when rescued. Water rescue crews also retrieved both inflatable crafts from the river.

The patients were medically assessed, provided emergency blankets and PFDs, and transported by boat to the docks at the Saskatoon Canoe Club before being further evaluated by ground ambulance and released on scene. All four were experiencing conditions consistent with fatigue and panic but were otherwise uninjured. This incident occurred due to high water levels, increased flow rates, and a lack of preparation and experience by the river users.

The Saskatoon Fire Department is urging members of the public to stay off of the South Saskatchewan River at this time; rapidly increasing flow rates and rising water levels have made recreational uses of the river unsafe. Updates on the status of the South Saskatchewan River at Saskatoon can be accessed through the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency website.

At 1157 hours, Saskatoon Fire Communications Center received emergency calls for a person in distress in the South Saskatchewan River.  The person was reported as being swept with the fast moving current towards the weir.  One fire engine, one water rescue unit, and the battalion chief were dispatched.   Medavie Ambulance company was notified to respond to the scene by the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD).

It was also reported that a person on a sea doo was attempting to keep the person from being carried further downstream with the current.

Water rescue 1 was on the river at 1203 hours.  The water rescue team retrieved the person where they transported the patient to Medavie's care.  Status of the patient is unknown at this time.

SFD has since cleared the scene, removed the water rescue unit from the river and returned to station to continue serving Saskatoon.

The river is currently flowing at a rate that is 4 - 6 times its average speed and it will reach peak flow by Monday, July 6th due to rainfall water being released at the Diefenbaker Dam. 

SFD wants to take this opportunity to remind everyone that the Water Security Agency is advising all persons to stay clear of the fast moving water at this time.  Enjoy the river from a safe distance.

The water security agency has issued the following:

South Saskatchewan River

The Water Security Agency (WSA) advises the public of rapidly increasing flows on the South Saskatchewan River with a peak inflow of about 1300 m3/s expected at Lake Diefenbaker on Sunday, July 5.  This is due to high amounts of rain in southern Alberta earlier this week. Upstream of Lake Diefenbaker, water levels are expected to increase by 0.75 m (2.5 feet) on average from today’s levels with some locations seeing an increase of 1.2 m (4 feet).

As a result, WSA is starting a spillway release at Gardiner Dam today (July 2) bringing total outflows to about 520 m3/s.  The spillway release will be increased to 300 m3/s on Friday, for a total outflow of 720 m3/s.

We anticipate having to increase the release to about 500 m3/s on Monday, July 6 for a total outflow of 900 m3/s, depending on how the inflows recede.  A flow of 900 m3/s will be near channel capacity upstream of the City of Saskatoon in the Pike and Moon lake areas.

Water levels are expected to increase, an average, by about 0.9 m (3 feet) throughout the system with an outflow of 900 m3/s.  However, some areas may see increases of as much as 1.5 m (5 feet).  No overland flooding is expected.  Water users are advised to move pumps and intakes and all individuals should stay clear of fast-moving water.

The average rate of flow is 150 m3/s. 

At 0337 hours Saskatoon Fire Department received a report of a dumpster fire in the 100 block Avenue L South.  A single engine company was dispatched.  On arrival, they found a garage fully involved in fire that was also damaging a garage to the north and a shed across the alley.  Two additional engine companies, a ladder truck, a rescue unit and the battalion chief were dispatched to the scene. 

The heat from this fire ruptured the natural gas line to a garage to the north and fire crews worked quickly and clamped the flow of natural gas.  SaskEnergy assembled a crew to shut the natural gas off.  Two power lines were compromised from the fire.  Saskatoon Light and Power (SL&P) disconnected the power to ensure safety of fire crews and the public.  SL&P is working to restore the power.

The fire was brought under control at 0443 hours.  Fire crews have returned to their stations, put apparatus back into commission and are ready to serve our community.  No injuries occurred as a result of this fire.

A fire investigator was called to conduct a scene examination.  The investigation has concluded and the cause of the fire is undetermined.  Due to the extent of damage to the structure, it was taken down to the ground to reduce the risk to the public.

The investigation into a fire that occurred on June 27, 2020 in the 100 block of Stechishin Crescent and caused approximately $150,000 in damage has concluded. A fire investigator has identified the fire to be accidental as a result of the improper use of an extension cord; it was pinched beneath a piece of furniture when it overheated, began arcing, and ignited nearby items.

The Fire Prevention and Investigation section reminds members of the public that extension cords are intended for temporary use only and can pose a serious hazard when used incorrectly. Never run extension cords across doorways or under carpets; this increases the possibility of a fire and also a fall!

--

At approximately 1:36 p.m. on June 27, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a possible structure fire in the 100 block of Stechishin Crescent. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

In less than four minutes, firefighters arrived on scene to find a residential structure producing visible smoke; all occupants were confirmed to have been outside and uninjured. An immediate interior attack was initiated with fire crews locating and extinguishing a fire in the basement; at around 2:16 p.m. the fire was considered to be under control. There was no further extension of the fire beyond the basement. Ventilation was established to clear the structure of remaining smoke and carbon monoxide before firefighters concluded and turned the scene over to a fire investigator. 

The fire investigator is continuing to analyze the scene to identify a cause and origin. Damage has been estimated at approximately $150,000.