Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) is proud to announce the launch of its new Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) software. This upgrade strengthens SFD’s ability to deliver efficient, reliable and timely dispatch service during emergencies and major events.

With a federal mandate requiring all 9-1-1 services in Canada to transition to the NG9‑1‑1 network by 2027, the SFD launched NextGen 9-1-1 in May 2025, upgrading its emergency call system from older telephone technology to a modern, internet‑based platform that makes emergency calls faster and more reliable. With this telephone upgrade in place, it became essential for the SFD’s CAD software to keep pace. The older CAD software would not fully support the advanced capabilities of NextGen 9‑1‑1 and was at risk of no longer being supported. The new CAD software is designed to work in tandem with NextGen 9‑1‑1 by transforming 9-1-1 call information into real‑time operational insight.

The CAD software provides dispatchers with superior situational awareness and improved resource management when firefighters need to be deployed. Information entered into the new CAD software is transformed into a real‑time operational picture, giving dispatchers a wholistic view of each incident and enabling them to manage incidents more efficiently and effectively.

Key benefits of the new CAD system include:

• Streamlined, user‑friendly interfaces and workflows that help dispatchers access critical information quickly and work with greater efficiency.
• More accurate and reliable data, for dispatchers to relay to firefighters, strengthening situational awareness while en route and on scene.
• Faster and smarter deployment of crews and equipment to get the right resources to the scene sooner.
• More sustainable and modern IT, reducing maintenance challenges and supporting long‑term stability and reliability.
• Improved reporting and transparency to help the SFD monitor performance, demonstrate results and support accountability.

“This new CAD system represents the newest and most advanced technology in the industry," says Deputy Chief Rob Hogan. “Saskatoon is the first in Saskatchewan, and one of only 40 departments in North America to use this technology. It gives our dispatchers faster, more accurate information when 9-1-1 calls come in to our team. This modern technology will meet both the technical and operational demands of the SFD for years to come.”

A Saskatoon Fire Investigator has determined a fire in a commercial building Friday night was caused by a faulty e‑bike battery. The fire originated in a battery testing room before spreading throughout the structure. Damage is estimated at $1.5 million.

The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) responded on March 13 to a call for a structure fire in a business on the 700 block of Circle Drive East. Crews worked through the night, bringing the flames under control at 2:19 p.m. on Saturday, March 14.

Lack of safe access to hot spots prolonged SFD’s response; a track-hoe was brought in on Saturday to knock holes through the walls and allow water to be poured inside.

With extreme cold temperatures expected this weekend, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) is reminding residents to take extra care, as cold snaps often lead to an increase in fires and carbon monoxide incidents.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, colourless, tasteless and potentially deadly gas created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane or oil burn incompletely. High levels of CO can cause illness, brain damage or death before people even know it is there.

“When it’s cold, we want to stay inside and keep warm," says Fire Marshal Ryan Bradley. “But that’s also when our heating systems work the hardest. Furnaces run more often, and frost or ice can quickly build-up around chimneys, fresh‑air intakes and exhaust vents. If these areas become blocked, dangerous gases like CO can back up into the home. Taking a few minutes to check that your vents and chimneys are clear can make a big difference and could prevent a serious tragedy.”

The SFD would like to remind residents to follow these winter safety tips:

1. Keep exit points clear
   1. Keep all doors and bedroom windows accessible and free of snow and other obstructions. They should be easy to open in case of an emergency.
   2. Regularly review your fire escape plan and test all exits to make sure they operate properly.
2. Clear snow and ice buildup
   1. Check your roof for snow buildup. Melting snow that freezes can form ice dams, blocking drainage and causing water to seep under shingles, leading to leaks and water damage.
   2. Keep intake and exhaust vents for furnaces and heating appliances free of ice and snow accumulations to reduce the risk of CO build-up.
   3. When shoveling snow, clear fire hydrants of ice and snow so firefighters can quickly find and use them in an emergency.
3. Inspect appliances and service heating equipment
   1. Regularly inspect the pipes and valves on fuel-burning appliances like water heaters, furnaces and gas stoves. Look for signs of wear, rust or leaks.
   2. Have your furnace, fireplace, water heater and other fuel-burning appliances cleaned and inspected by a professional to make sure they are working properly and don’t emit CO.
4. Use electricity wisely
   1. Avoid overloading extension cords and power strips, as this can cause overheating and fires.
   2. Use cords rated for the device’s power needs and never use damaged or frayed cords.
5. Test and maintain alarms
   1. Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
   2. Place CO detectors on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas, and test them every three months. Replace units every seven years or sooner if required.
6. Stay warm safely
   1. During extreme cold, limit time outdoors and stay inside when possible.
   2. Keep space heaters at least one metre away from anything that can burn, plug them directly into a wall outlet and turn them off before leaving a room or going to sleep.
   3. Never use ovens, stoves, barbecues or fuel‑burning heaters indoors to stay warm, as they can create dangerous levels of CO.

Symptoms of CO poisoning

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Burning eyes
• Confusion
• Drowsiness

CO warning signs in the home

• The air in your house is stuffy.
• There is excessive moisture on windows and walls.
• There is a buildup of soot around appliances and vents.
• There is a yellow flame in a natural gas appliance instead of a blue one.
• Your pilot light keeps going out.
• More than one person of your household is feeling ill.
• Occupants feel ill at home and better when they are away from the house for a while.

Cold weather warm-up locations

Individuals and families can warm up at various locations across Saskatoon. To view the list of locations, download the Warm-up Locations Poster.

By taking these proactive measures, you can help protect yourself, your family and your neighbours. If you see someone in distress, call 911, or call 306‑975‑3030 for non‑emergency assistance.

For more information about CO safety, visit saskatoon.ca/carbonmonoxide.

For more information about the Saskatoon Winter Emergency Response, visit saskatoon.ca/cold.

At 7:39 a.m. on December 30, 2025, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) Communications Center received a report of a structure fire in the 100 block of Avenue T South.  Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one ladder truck and the Battalion Chief were dispatched.  The first arriving fire crew reported flames showing from the front of a single-family dwelling unit that was boarded up.  Officer reported the front door had its board removed upon their arrival.  

All incoming fire crews were assigned tactical duties.  Utilities were shut down for safety reasons at the fire scene.  Firefighters began removing the boards from the windows and extinguishment initiated.  

Fire was reported as under control at 8:47 a.m.  Full extinguishment continues at this time.

At this time, no injuries have been reported or sustained to civilians or firefighters.  No person(s) has been identified as being inside the structure upon the arrival of the SFD.

The Fire Investigator is on scene. Once the fire scene is fully extinguished and turned over, a cause and origin scene examination will begin. Further details on damage will be provided at a later time.

At 8:03 a.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) responded to a report of a small fire inside a school.

When firefighters arrived, they saw smoke coming from the northeast portables. They discovered the smoke was caused by smoldering styrofoam and welding from a construction site.

Fire crews set up fans to ventilate the smoke.

All occupants were safely evacuated.

A damage estimate is currently unknown.

At 2:38 p.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) responded to a report of black smoke coming from a commercial building.

When firefighters arrived, they saw smoke coming from an overhead door. They discovered that the building’s air handling system had caught fire.

All occupants had safely evacuated before crews began putting out the smoldering filters. The fire was fully extinguished by 3:32 p.m.

Damage is estimated to be approximately $10,000. The cause of the fire is unknown.

The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) is promoting the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)’s theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign: “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” The theme highlights the importance of understanding and safely using battery-powered devices.

Many electronics that are used every day – smartphones, tablets, cordless power tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, video game controllers, electric bikes and more – are powered by lithium-ion batteries. If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode.

“Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient and found in countless everyday devices,” says Fire Marshal Ryan Bradley. "This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign focuses on helping people understand how to use these batteries safely and responsibly to reduce the risk of fire or injury in the home.”

Fires and injuries from Li-ion batteries are preventable. Keep in mind these safety tips when handling and using a lithium-ion battery:

• Buy only listed products.
  • When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards.
  • Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.
• Charge devices safely.
  • Always use the cords that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
  • If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.
  • Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch – this could cause a fire.
  • Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
• Recycle batteries responsibly.
  • Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries or any household batteries in the garbage or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire.
  • Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them:
    • Household batteries and electronics can be dropped off at the Material Recovery Centre, 7 days a week and at all SARCAN depot locations. Automotive batteries are accepted only at the Material Recovery Centre.
    • E-bike batteries are not accepted at the Material Recovery Centre. Visit recycleyourbatteries.ca to find a drop-off location in Saskatoon.
    • For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/wastewizard.

To learn more about lithium-ion battery safety, visit saskatoon.ca/batteries.

For general information about Fire Prevention Week and other fire prevention resources, visit fpw.org.