Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

At 10:41 p.m. on October 7, 2022, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) Communications Center received a call for a motor vehicle accident involving a semi and an SUV with possible entrapment.  Two fire engines, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched.  The first fire crew arrived at 10:45 p.m. and confirmed air bags deployed and patients trapped in the vehicle.  The driver's side door required removal with hydraulic tools.  Two patients were in the vehicle, a driver and a front passenger.  The passenger door was able to be pried opened by firefighters without tools.  Fire crews removed a female patient from the passenger side of the vehicle and began providing immediate medical care.  The other fire crews were preparing for the removal of the driver door to extricate the driver.  At 10:54 p.m., the door was removed and firefighters began immediate medical care on a male.  

Medical care of both patients was transferred to the ambulance service and their crews.  Three SFD primary care paramedics rode in the ambulances to the hospital to assist the ambulance crews with patient care.  Our firefighters were picked up at the hospital and returned to their fire stations.  Current status of the patients is not known to the SFD.

The Saskatoon Police Service continue their accident investigation.

Fire crews were requested and responded at 7:55 a.m. on October 8, 2022 back to the site of the accident by the Saskatoon Police Service.  Firefighters cleaned up fluids that had leaked onto the street.

The Saskatoon Fire Department employs 280 firefighters of which 140 are primary care paramedics. 

At 4:01 p.m. on October 5, 2022, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a report of a grass fire in the area of Wanuskewin Road and Penner Road.   One fire engine, two brush trucks, two tanker trucks and the Battalion Chief responded to the grass fire.  The first arriving fire crew reported no structures at risk of exposure to the fire.  All incoming fire crews were assigned their duties.  SFD remains on scene at this time.  The grass fire  continues to be extinguished and brought under control. 

An SFD Fire Investigator will not be attending.  The grass fire is outside Saskatoon's city limits.

At 12:57 p.m., on September 30, 2022, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a call for a female hanging off the overpass on Taylor Street over Circle Drive.  Dispatched were one fire engine, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief.  First arriving crew at 1:01 p.m. reported a female hanging over the freeway requiring rescue.  Incoming fire crews were assigned their duties on their arrival.  At 1:05 p.m., the ladder truck, SFD's Ladder 8 set up and got in position to rescue the female.  A firefighter entered the area and was secured to the chain link fence to reduce the risk of the female falling .  Police on scene stopped traffic to create a safe working space for the fire crews and motorists.  Firefighters maintained verbal contact with the female while a firefighter was secured in the basket of the ladder truck and got positioned close to the female.  When the female attempted to move away from the ladder truck, the firefighter secured to the fence pinned himself and the female to the chain link so the ladder truck could position under them and bring the female into the bucket.  

The female was brought down safely to the ground without incident at 1:11 p.m.   The scene and the female were turned over to the Saskatoon Police Service.  Our partners at City of Saskatoon were notified that firefighters had cut the chain link fence to allow access.  Repairs to the fence will be followed up. 

No injuries to the female, motorists, firefighters or police occurred as a result of this rescue.

At 5:45 a.m., on September 30, 2022, the Saskatoon Fire Department received an automatic alert from the ambulance service of a male trapped in the bin of a garbage truck.  One fire engine and the Battalion Chief responded to the 200 block of 1st Avenue South.  On arrival, fire crews identified an unknown age male, inside the bin of an automated garbage truck.  The male was not injured but needed assistance out of the bin.  At 6:06 a.m., the SFD fire crews assisted the person out of the bin.  No automatic tools were required.  It is unknown if the person was unhoused or searching the bin for recyclables.  

The driver had been alerted to the person in the bin by hearing him yell out.  Driver stopped and identified a person in the bin on the truck's camera.

The male was turned over to the ambulance service for an assessment.  Fire crew returned to their station.

Fire Chief Morgan Hackl and other fire officials will welcome five new firefighter-paramedics to the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) at a private graduation ceremony this afternoon. The ceremony will take place at Fire Station No. 1 where the recruits will be presented with their badges and battalion assignments.

The five firefighter-paramedics are the second graduating group this year, following 15 recruits that were hired in April. Each graduate is certified to the level of Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) and is licensed through the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics. As firefighter-paramedics, they are trained, prepared, and experienced in operating effectively on high-hazard emergency scenes. The graduates’ impressive qualifications are reflective of SFD’s commitment to hiring applicants with a broad spectrum of knowledge and experience.

“Our fire department responds to nearly 20,000 calls annually,” says Chief Hackl. “With high call volumes come high expectations. These recruits have rose to the challenge and proven they are ready to provide the best front-line emergency care possible.”

The graduates have worked with SFD’s Fire Service Instructors over the past four weeks to review their firefighter and paramedic skills and prepare them for their new role at the SFD.

“We’re excited to welcome these graduates to our fire service watch them thrive as official members of the Saskatoon Fire Department,” Chief Hackl adds.

The new firefighter-paramedics will start their first shifts beginning Monday, October 3.

At 6:50 a.m. on September 29, 2022, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a report of a structure fire at Highway 14 and Dalmeny Grid.  Two fire engines, one brush truck, one tanker unit, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched.  First arriving fire crews reported flames coming from metal doors of a structure.  Incoming crews were assigned their tactical duties.  At 7:22 a.m., the main portion of the fire was knocked down.  Fire crews remain on scene at this time.

This fire is within Saskatoon's city limits.  An SFD Fire Investigator has been requested to attend.

Details will follow once they are available.

At 10:57 p.m. on September 22, 2022, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a call for a fire in the suite on the 3rd floor of a multi-residential structure in the 300 Block of Kingsmere Boulevard.  Four fire engines, a ladder truck, a rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched to the scene.  First arriving fire crews reported to all incoming crews that there was smoke showing from a third floor window.  All incoming fire crews were assigned their tactical duties.  The fire alarm was ringing but evacuation of the building was not complete.  The Saskatoon Police Service assisted fire crews in completing evacuation and keeping everyone out of the building.  Firefighters were quick to begin extinguishing the fire.     

This fire was brought under control at 11:38 p.m.  One dog was rescued by firefighters but two cats did not survive.  Occupants were alerted to the fire in the unit by their smoke alarm.  They attempted to extinguish the fire which was too large for a fire extinguisher.  Occupants called 9-1-1 and our fire dispatcher advised them to evacuate. 

A Fire Investigator was requested and conducted a cause and origin scene examination.  Fire originated in the bathroom and spread into the remainder of the unit.  Fire is still under investigation and no determination has been established yet.  Damage is estimated at $325,000.  Two units were deemed not habitable from the effects of the fire. 

Occupants who were displaced are safely re-housed.  No injuries to firefighters or residents occurred as a result of this fire.

Fire investigation has concluded for the fire that occurred on September 11, 2022 in the 400 Block of Wellman Crescent.  Cause of the fire was accidental due to internal heating from oil soaked rags used for staining which ignited.  Construction materials in the area of the rags caught fire as well.  The sprinkler system did its function and kept the fire small on the second floor of this commercial structure.  Damage is estimated at $10,000.

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

At 5:14 p.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department received a call from an alarm monitoring company of the alarm signaling at a structure in the 400 Block of Wellman Crescent.  One fire engine was dispatched to investigate the alarm signal from this property.  On arrival, fire crews indicated the fire alarm was ringing and there was water flowing from the automatic sprinkler system on the second floor.  After further investigation, it was identified that there was smoke visible on the second floor.  Another two fire engines, a ladder truck, a rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched.  Fire was reported as extinguished at 5:41 p.m.  

The on call Fire Investigator has been requested.  Further details will be provided as soon as they are available.

At 11:13 p.m. on September 6, 2022, the Saskatoon Fire Department received an alert from the ambulance service of a vehicle that rolled over on its roof.  The location was updated as being on Idylwyld Drive North near Ruth Street.  One fire engine, one rescue unit and that Battalion Chief were dispatched.  First arriving fire crews reported one vehicle involved lying on its roof.  Crew assessed the patient inside the vehicle and determined there were minor injuries.  No extrication with tools was required.  Patient care was transferred to the ambulance service.

Fire crews returned to their stations after cleaning fluids that had leaked from the vehicle.

At 6:41 a.m. on September 5, 2022, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a report of a female in the river hanging onto a log.  Two fire engines, a water rescue team and boat along with the Battalion Chief were dispatched.  First arriving fire crew got eyes on the female.  The boat entered the water and proceeded to the female's location.  The SFD water rescue team reached the female by boat at 6:55 a.m. and returned her safely to shore.  

Care for the female was transferred to the ambulance service.

All fire personnel were accounted for and returned to their respective stations.

At 3:38 a.m. on September 5, 2022, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a report of a female in the water under the Circle Drive Bridge from the Saskatoon Police.  Two fire engines, a water rescue boat along with the Battalion Chief were dispatched. 

On arrival, our fire crew on land got eyes on a female in distress calling for help North of the Circle Drive bridge approximately 75 yards from the West shoreline.  The SFD water team prepared for a water rescue from land and by boat.  A member of the water rescue team from the fire engine, was tied securely and entered the water from shore close to the female's location to perform a rescue if possible while the other crew launched the boat.  At 4:01 a.m., the water rescue team and boat were in the water at the 33rd Street boat launch.  The firefighter who entered the water from shore reached the female and securely tethered her to the line prior to the water rescue boat reaching her location.  Fire crews then pulled the tethered pair in from the river.  At 4:04 a.m., the female was on the shore.  Fire crews provided blankets and carried the female up the embankment. 

Care for the female was transferred to the ambulance service.  

No injuries were sustained during this rescue.  All personnel on scene were accounted for and fire crews returned to their respective stations.  

At 9:39 a.m. on September 4, 2022, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a call reporting a garbage can and garage on fire.  Three fire engines, one ladder unit, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched.  On arrival, fire crews reported the garage was fully involved in fire.  All incoming fire crews were assigned tactical duties.  An exterior extinguishment was initiated immediately.  Fire crews extinguished the fire on the exterior and advance into the interior of the garage.  The fire was brought under control at 9:58 a.m.  A Fire Investigator was requested to attend.

The fire investigation was conducted with the Saskatoon Police Investigator.  The Fire Investigator has concluded the investigation and determined the cause of the fire is suspicious.  A recycling bin was lit on fire that spread to the fence and garage.  Damage is estimated at $25,000.  Police will continue their portion of the investigation.

No injuries were sustained as a result of this fire.

If anyone has information or evidence related to this fire, please contact the Saskatoon Police Service at (306) 975-8300.  

At 6:10 a.m. on September 4, 2022, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a call from an alarm monitoring company for a signal being received in the 100 Block of 105th Street West.  Three fire engines and a ladder truck were dispatched.  The first arriving fire crews reported a retail structure with alarms ringing and no sign of fire.  Upon further investigation, it was determined that there had been a small fire in a business.  The automatic sprinkler system had been set off by the fire and extinguished the flames.  Fire damage was minimal but there was indication that this was a deliberately set fire.

The Fire Investigator attended along with the Saskatoon Police Investigator.  The fire investigation has now concluded.  This fire is deemed suspicious.  Fire originated just inside the business with the fire being contained to the floor.  Damage is estimated at $15,000. 

No damage occurred to neighboring businesses.  No civilians, animals or firefighters were injured from this fire.

Saskatoon Police will continue their portion of the investigation.  If anyone has information or evidence relating to this fire, please call the police at (306) 975-8300.

At 4:24 a.m., on September 2, 2022, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a 911 call reporting a structure fire in the 100 Block of Kellins Crescent.  Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one ladder truck and the Battalion Chief were dispatched.  On arrival, a shed and fence were fully involved.  First arriving fire crews identified that two fire engines could handle the fire and all other incoming crews were returned to their stations.  The fire was brought under control at 4:36 a.m.  The Fire Investigator was requested to attend.  Fire caused $5000 in damage, originated with the fence and spread to the shed.  This fire is considered suspicious.  

The SFD Fire Investigator was made aware of two other fires that were small but of interest due to the time lines.  

A fire was investigated in the 500 Block of Delayen Crescent which occurred at 12:33 a.m. on September 2, 2022.  This fire caused $1000 damage to a fence.  The fire is considered suspicious.  Incident 22-14545

A third fire was investigated behind a commercial building in the 1700 Block of Preston Avenue which occurred at 2:48 a.m. on September 2, 2022.  This fire was extinguished on fire crew's arrival.  It was an evergreen tree that was damaged by fire.  This fire is considered suspicious.  Incident 22-14546

These fires will be followed up by the Saskatoon Police Service.

If anyone has any information or evidence related to these fires, please contact the Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300.

At 08:26 p.m. on Monday, August 29, 2022 the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a 9-1-1 call reporting dark gray smoke coming from a mobile home on the 200 block of Grant Street. Three engines, one ladder, one rescue truck and one battalion chief were dispatched.

Upon arriving, fire crews observed a mobile home fully involved in fire. The fire crew began extinguishing the flames and a search of the interior was conducted with no one found within the residence. Fire suppression continued and the fire was brought under control at 09:07 p.m.

An SFD Fire Investigator was requested to perform a fire cause and origin scene examination. The fire investigator attending identifies that presently the fire is still under investigation, and a cause has not yet been determined.

No injuries occurred at this incident.

The fire damage is estimated at  $200,000 dollars.

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.  

At 3:28 a.m. on August 15, 2022, the Saskatoon Fire Department responded with three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief to a report of a structure fire.  Fire was reported in the 200 Block of Avenue S South.  First arriving fire crew reported flames showing from the rear of a house.  All incoming fire crews were assigned tactical duties.  Utilities were shut down to enhance scene safety.  The fire was brought under control at 3:58 a.m.  One occupant was able to evacuate safety.  Two dogs were located in the structure who did not survive the fire.  

The SFD Fire Investigator is on the scene at this time.   Fire originated on the rear deck causing $200,000 damage.  No cause has been determined at this time.  

At 3:24 a.m. on August 11, 2022, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a call reporting heavy black smoke behind a building in the 2500 Block of Jasper Avenue.  The caller did not know what was on fire.  Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched.  First arriving fire crew reported a stack of pallets fully involved on fire behind a large structure.  Two fire engines were dedicated to this fire and the other fire crews returned to their stations.  Storage containers that the pallets were located beside were checked for fire and heat extension to their interiors.  Fire damage was contained to the exterior of the storage units.  This fire was brought under control at 3:39 a.m.  

No injuries resulted from this fire.

Our Fire Investigator has concluded the scene examination.  Cause of the fire is suspicious with $1000 damage.  Fire originated in the yard and the stack of pallets.  Police will continue their portion of the investigation.

At 7:45 p.m. on August 10, 2022, a fire crew and fire engine were attending a community event in the area of Avenue W South.  A person approached our fire crew and stated they saw smoke coming from an apartment in the 500 Block of Avenue W South.  Our fire crew arrived at 7:46 p.m.  The police were on scene and reported a fire in the basement of this apartment complex.  An additional two fire engines, one ladder unit, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched to the fire.  Tactical duties were assigned to all incoming fire crews and the fire crew that was first on scene located the fire suite and reported smoke showing.  The door to the suite was locked.  Fire crews forced entry into the suite and began extinguishing a fire in a small storage room beside the suite door.  This fire was brought under control at 8:11 p.m.

No injuries to civilians or firefighters occurred as a result of this fire.  The suite was vacant at the time of the fire.  Fire crews ventilated the building, to clear it of smoke and carbon monoxide that resulted from the fire.  

A Fire Investigator attended the scene and the cause has been determined as suspicious.  The Saskatoon Police will continue their portion of the investigation.  Fire originated in a small storage room causing approximately $30,000 damage to the suite.

At 10:43 p.m. on August 7, 2022, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a report of hearing an alarm ringing at a neighbor's property in the 200 Block of Elm Street.  It was unknown if anyone was home.  It was unknown if it was a carbon monoxide or smoke alarm ringing.  This call was dispatched as the latter to ensure enough resources would respond if need be.  Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one ladder truck and the Battalion Chief responded.   First arriving fire crews saw no sign of fire from the street.  Firefighters did an evaluation of the interior from the exterior.  It was determined that the door to the house needed to be breached as smoke was visible inside.  Upon forcing entry through the front door, firefighters encountered thick smoke conditions.  A small fire was located at the top of the stairwell to the basement.  The fire was quickly extinguished.  A female occupant was discovered in a bedroom and removed by firefighters.  Patient care was transferred to the ambulance service who transported the occupant to the hospital for smoke inhalation.

Fire crews ventilated the structure then returned to their respective stations.

The Fire Investigator estimates the damage to be $1000 to the flooring of the structure.  It was the quick call to the fire department by the neighbor at the onset of hearing an alarm that assisted in minimizing property damage.  The cause of the fire is still under investigation.  Patient status is not known at this time or the reason that the occupant was not able to self evacuate.

An update as to the cause of this fire will be reported when it is available.