Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

The Saskatoon Fire Department responded to 3 vehicles involved in a collision at Circle Drive and College Drive at 7:44 a.m.  One fire engine, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief responded.  On arrival, one occupant was extricated by fire crews without the use of a hydraulic cutting tool.  It was determined that injuries were minor.  Fire crews cleaned up fluids that had leaked from the vehicles.  After establishing scene safety, fire crews returned to their stations.

The accident scene was turned over to the Saskatoon Police Service.  

Use caution driving today and stay safe.

At 3:39 p.m., three engines, a rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched by Saskatoon Fire Department Communications Centre to a single vehicle rollover.  First arriving fire crews assessed the scene and determined that no injuries had resulted from this accident.  Incoming fire crews were then downgraded to a no "lights and sirens" response to the scene.  The vehicle was stabilized for safety and the front windshield was removed by fire crews.  The entrapped person was assisted by fire crews and safely removed from the vehicle.  The accident the scene was turned over to the ambulance and police service for further assessment.  Fire crews cleaned up fluids leaking from the vehicle.

Fire crews returned to station at 4:14 p.m.

Saskatoon Fire Department Communications Centre received received multiple 9-1-1 calls for a garage fire at 4:55 a.m.  Our first arriving fire engine reported a garage that was fully involved in fire.  Incoming firefighters and their officers were assigned tactical duties by the Officer first on scene.  A power line was brought down to the ground by the fire and a crew from Saskatoon Light & Power responded.   An SFD Safety Officer was assigned to ensure safety on the fire ground.  At 5:12 a.m., the garage had been consumed by fire to the point of collapse.  Fire crews continued to extinguish the fire.  This fire was brought under control at 5:39 a.m.  

Dispatched to the scene were a total of 6 front line emergency response apparatus, a Battalion Chief, a Fire Investigator and a service vehicle.  Fire crews began packing up hose lines and tools after extinguishment was completed.  Equipment that was contaminated by smoke, soot and exposed to gases created by the fire were transported back to station by an SFD service vehicle.  Fire crews began cleaning and decontaminating equipment back at the stations.

The scene was turned over to the Fire Investigator at 6:03 a.m.  An investigator from the Saskatoon Police Service assisted in the investigation.  Our Fire Investigator has determined that the fire originated in the interior of the garage which was reported as not being used for living purposes but household furnishings were identified as being present.  Damage to the garage and neighbouring properties is estimated at $25,000.  The exact cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.  The Fire Investigator will continue to work with the Police Service in this investigation.  

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

At 09:35 a.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department received a report of a house fire with smoke and flame showing.  Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue truck, the Battalion Chief and a Fire Investigator were dispatched to the scene.  First arriving fire crew and their officer reported heavy smoke showing.  All incoming fire crews were assigned tactical duties and extinguishment was initiated from the exterior into the interior.  Due to an extreme accumulation of items in the yard and the interior of the structure, this posed an extra challenge to firefighters as they advanced hose lines and water onto the fire.  The fire was knocked down at 09:46 a.m. while firefighters had to work around extremely congested conditions in order to get to the origin of the fire and complete extinguishment.  Searches were conducted to ensure no one was inside the structure in need of evacuation.  

No injuries occurred to firefighters or civilians due to this fire.

The Fire Investigator identified many contributing factors to this fire.  The utilities were not in service at the time of the fire.  An inappropriate and unsafe heat source identified as a hand made furnace in a bedroom caused the fire.  The makeshift furnace was constructed of a barrel to allow for items to be burned and inadequately vented through the bedroom window.  The amount of items inside the structure contributed to the spread of fire and its challenge in being extinguished.  Damage is estimated to be $50, 000 as the fire extended from the bedroom and its window into the roof.  Cause of the fire was determined to be accidental.

Due to the extreme amount of materials loitering inside and outside of the structure, the Fire Investigator will be issuing Orders under the Property Maintenance & Nuisance Abatement Bylaw 8175 requiring the removal of items and a separate Order will be issued requiring repairs to the structure due to the fire damage.  The house is being closed under the Authority of the Saskatoon Fire Department due to the lack of utilities, fire damage and the extreme accumulation identified.

One occupant is displaced due to this fire and has found alternate accommodations.  

The Saskatoon Fire Department has this week implemented a proactive emergency operations centre (EOC) to manage life safety and health issues related to those experiencing homelessness with the immediate goal of offering emergency shelter to anyone who is living outdoors.

“We believe there are likely over a hundred people who are without proper shelter in Saskatoon – that is, sleeping in the open or in makeshift shelters – so, we want to help them find safe, healthy and appropriate emergency shelter,” says Assistant Fire Chief Yvonne Raymer.

Raymer says this work has been ongoing but as the weather begins to turn, the situation is growing more emergent. The partner agencies including the Sawêyihtotân (suh-WAY-uh-toe-tahn) community outreach team led by the Saskatoon Tribal Council, the Saskatoon Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP), Salvation Army, Saskatoon Police Service, and other agencies are working together to achieve four main goals:

• Identify the places or ‘camps’ where people are living in makeshift shelters
• Delegate a task force group to the camps
• Talk to the people who are unhoused to build trust
• Offer wrap-around supports: food, mental health and addiction support, access to elders and counselling, COVID testing, and ultimately long-term housing

"This is about working together as a whole community to support people in accessing emergency shelter – we are working on keeping individuals safe and finding ways to best support them with emergency wrap-around resources within our capacity. Right now, though, we can’t in good conscience allow people to live in the elements as the weather continues to get colder.

"We have learned from experiences in other municipalities that when large encampments happen, those create greater health and safety risks. We have already been called to fires at makeshift shelters. So, of course, we want to find a way around that and help people with viable, dignified options and continue to offer them supports, even if at first they decline," Raymer says.

Community outreach workers who are part of a task force will be at the forefront of this work. The team will work together to connect with those who are houseless in the locations where they are currently finding shelter in parks, natural areas, along the riverbank and other areas in Saskatoon.

The Saskatoon Fire Department recognizes homelessness is a complex issue which requires a whole-community response and it will continue to actively engage all partners in a collaborative process going forward.

The Saskatoon Fire Department is teaming up with The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote Fire Prevention Week (October 3-9, 2021). This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety” will focus on educating residents about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.

In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. Knowing what to do when an alarm sounds will keep you and your family safe.

“It’s important to learn the different sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. When an alarm makes noise—a beeping sound or a chirping sound—you must take action,” says Yvonne Raymer, Assistant Fire Chief. “Make sure everyone in the home recognizes and understands the sounds of the alarms and knows how to respond. To learn the sounds of your specific smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, test the alarms monthly by following the manufacturer’s instructions that come in the box, or search the brand and model online.” 

The Saskatoon Fire Department wants to share safety tips to help you “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety”: 

• A continuous set of three loud beeps, “beep, beep, beep,” means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1 and stay out. 
• A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed. 
• All alarms must be replaced after 10 years, or sooner according to manufacturer’s instructions. 
• Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced. 
• Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms meet the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

Chief Raymer adds, "Beginning July 1, 2022, carbon monoxide and smoke alarms will be mandatory in all Saskatchewan homes, regardless of the building’s age. Now is a great time to install these alarms if you don't already have them so you have time to plan where they should go and become familiar with how they operate."

To learn more about smoke alarms and other fire safety tips, visit saskatoon.ca/firesafety.

For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and fire prevention in general, visit nfpa.org/fpw. 

At 9:20 p.m. on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a report of a structure fire. Three fire engines, a rescue unit, a ladder truck and the Battalion Chief were dispatched. Upon arrival, fire crews observed flames coming from the back of a house. All occupants were reported to be outside the home. Firefighters advanced a hose line to apply water to the exterior of the fire while utilities were shut down.

The fire was confirmed to be fully extinguished at approximately 10:20 p.m. and the scene was turned over to SFD’s fire investigator to determine the cause. The fire was deemed as suspicious. The scene was turned over to the Saskatoon Police Service for further investigation. Damage is estimated to be $120,000.

The Saskatoon Fire Department has concluded its interviews and scene examination into the cause of the kitchen fire that occurred in the 800 Block of Appleby Drive yesterday.

Cause of the fire has been determined as accidental.  Fire originated on the top of the stove due to an element being turned on by accident.  This caused a cardboard pizza box to ignite that had been sitting on the element.  Damage is still estimated to be $80,000.  

At 09:05 a.m. the Saskatoon Fire Department Communications Centre received a call for a fire in a suite at this property.  Three engines, one rescue engine, aerial unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched.  First arriving Fire Officer reported smoke showing from the second floor.  Fire Crews entered a suite on the second floor.  This fire was brought under control at 09:24 a.m.  The fire was contained to the suite.   Ventilation to remove smoke from the building was performed by fire personnel.  

The Fire Investigator is conducting a cause and origin scene examination at this time.  Fire originated in the kitchen.  Damage is estimated to be $80,000.

Further information will be provided once the fire investigation has concluded.

At 12:11 a.m., a multi vehicle accident was reported to the Saskatoon Fire Department Communications Centre.  One engine, one rescue engine and the Battalion Chief were dispatched.  On arrival, fire crews identified four vehicles involved.  One patient was extricated by SFD and care of the patient was transferred to the ambulance service.  All other persons involved in the accident were assessed by ambulance crews.

Prior to leaving the scene with the Saskatoon Police Service, fire crews ensured all vehicles were de-energized and fluids were not leaking onto the roadway. 

At 7:05 p.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department Communications Centre received a call reporting smoke visible on the ground floor of a 3 storey apartment building.  Caller was instructed by the Fire Dispatcher to pull the pull station in the hallway to alert all occupants and leave the building.  Three engines, an aerial, a rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched to this incident.  The first engine company arrived at 7:08 p.m. and identified the fire in a suite on the ground floor.  A Fire Investigator was dispatched to the incident. 

Fire crews entered the suite and encountered heavy smoke. One individual was found deceased inside the suite.  

The fire was brought under control at 7:39 p.m.  Prior to leaving the scene with the Fire Investigator, the fire crews checked the building for CO and found 0 ppm.  

The Fire Investigator has determined the cause of the fire to be accidental.  Fire originated in the kitchen behind the fridge.  Fire and smoke damage are estimated to be $120,000 to the building.  

At 6:17 p.m. the Saskatoon Fire Department Communications Centre received a 9-1-1 call from an occupant reporting a loud bang and the carbon monoxide alarms in the hallway ringing.  One engine company was dispatched to investigate the report of the CO alarms ringing with no signs and symptoms of CO poisoning presenting from the residents.  On arrival, the fire crews identified 1600 ppm of carbon monoxide.  Additional fire personnel were requested to assist with evacuation.  Three more engines, an aerial apparatus and the Battalion Chief were dispatched to the property.

SaskEnergy and City of Saskatoon Transit bus were requested to attend.  The Fire Investigator was dispatched to the scene.  It was identified that the exhaust serving the boiler had been broken on the exterior of the building.  Children had been playing around the exhaust.  It was reported to the fire crews that they had been hanging off the exhaust pipes which which caused the break at the exterior causing the ventilation to be damaged.  This caused the boiler to be exhausted into the building instead of the exterior causing the high levels of carbon monoxide.

SaskEnergy worked with the property owner's to repair the ventilation.  Repairs were complete, the boiler was restored and turned back on.  SaskEnergy and fire crews took readings to ensure carbon monoxide is no longer being exhausted into the building.  Residents were situated in a warm City Bus while repairs were conducted. 

SaskEnergy has confirmed at this time that it is safe for residents to return to their suites.

Carbon Monoxide alarms save lives.  Thank you to our partners at the City of Saskatoon Transit and SaskEnergy Technicians for their quick response and collaboration in keeping our community safe.

At 05:11 a.m. today, the Saskatoon Fire Department Communications Centre received a call of a fire in the attic on Coppermine Crescent.  Three occupants of the home were instructed to evacuate the house.  Four engines, one rescue, one ladder truck and the Battalion Chief were dispatched to the situation.  The first arriving engine at 05:15 a.m. reported light smoke showing.  Fire and smoke were identified in the ceiling space.  Crews worked to access the attic and extinguish the fire in the ceiling and attic space.  A Fire Investigator was dispatched to the incident.  The fire was brought under control at 05:37 a.m.

There were no injuries to fire ground personnel or civilians at this fire.

The Fire Investigator has concluded the cause and origin investigation.  Accidental electrical fire with a $150,000 damage.

Reminder from the SFD to test your smoke alarms to ensure all are in working order.

At 01:43 a.m. this morning, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a direct call from the Saskatoon Police Service notifying of a single vehicle collision at the top of the Broadway Bridge with entrapment.  One engine company, one rescue engine and the Battalion Chief responded to the call.  On arrival, our Fire Officer reported a single vehicle with two occupants and a street light down on top of the vehicle.  Crew from the engine company assessed the scene for safety and the two occupants due to the street light lying on top of the vehicle.  Crews began stabilizing and de-energising the vehicle in preparation for extrication.  

The rescue engine used hydraulic cutting tools to remove the metal and hard plastic from around the driver while fire paramedics treated the driver inside and removed the passenger.  Both patients were transported to hospital by ambulance crews.  

Saskatoon Light and Power was on scene and ensured there were no electrical hazards to first responders as a result of the downed street light.

At 6:23 p.m. the Saskatoon Fire Department Communications Centre received a report of a house fire in the 300 Block Avenue J South.  Caller stated it was unknown if anyone was inside the structure.  Four engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched.  On arrival, it was reported that the structure was heavily charged with black smoke.  Interior suppression and entry were made by fire crews from the front and back door of the structure.  Fire declared under control at 6:53 p.m.  Firefighters are completing searches for occupants which is standard practice.  Overhaul has begun on the structure to ensure any "hot spots" get fully extinguished.

The Fire Investigator has been dispatched and is responding to the fire scene at this time to conduct a cause and origin fire investigation.  Estimate of fire damage at this time is $100,000.  

At 10:13 a.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department received a call of a single vehicle rollover with one occupant trapped in the vehicle.  The accident occurred at Highway 16 and Zimmerman Road.  Two engines and the Battalion Chief were dispatched by our Communications Centre.  Enroute, the responding fire crews encountered heavy fog conditions.  The first arriving engine company reported a vehicle on its roof.  Fire crew stabilized the vehicle and extrication was performed by the second arriving engine and its crew.  An off duty firefighter had come upon the scene prior to the SFD's arrival and assisted with bystanders.  The R.C.M.P. assisted at the scene. 

The SFD personnel extricated one patient whose care was turned over to the ambulance service.  All engine companies and crew returned to their stations safely and were in commission at 11:04 a.m.

The Saskatoon Fire Department received a call from the R.C.M.P. at 1:11 p.m. reporting a structure fire in the R.M. of Corman Park on Dalmeny Road.  Three engines, one rescue unit, one brush truck, one tanker and the Battalion Chief were dispatched by our Communications Centre.   On arrival, the Fire Officer reported a garage fully involved and encroaching onto the attached house.   Two occupants of the home were transported to hospital with minor injuries.  A dog succumbed in this fire and a cat was resuscitated with the use of our Rescue Unit's pet mask.

The fire was brought under control at 2:03 p.m.  Fire crews remain on scene at this time.  

Fire damage is estimated to be $200,000 to the structure, vehicles and contents.  

At 6:43 pm, Saskatoon Fire Dispatch received a call for a motor vehicle accident approximately 16 km west of the City of Saskatoon on Highway 14.  An engine company, a rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched to the scene.  On arrival, Asquith Fire Department was on scene extricating a patient from one vehicle and the Saskatoon Fire Department assisted with a second extrication from another vehicle.  Stars arrived on scene awaiting to transport patients.  Stars Aircraft landed at the scene at 7:10 pm and transported 1 patient to hospital.

At this time, fire apparatus and crews are returning to their stations.  Thanks to Asquith Fire Service for their collaboration at this incident.

The Saskatoon Fire Department received a call at 6:38 p.m. yesterday evening of an extinguished fire.  Occupants had extinguished a small fire in the garage of the 200 Block of Nixon Crescent.  A single engine was dispatched to investigate the extinguished fire.  Upon further questioning by the Fire Dispatcher, it was determined that black smoke was still visible inside the garage.  An upgrade of apparatus to the call was initiated and an additional two engines, one rescue unit, an aerial and the Battalion Chief were dispatched a minute later. 

On arrival, smoke was showing from the roof of the garage.  The contents inside the garage were extinguished but heat was identified by fire crews in the wall.  Identifying the area of heat with their thermal imaging camera, a pump tank was used to fully extinguish the fire.  The attic was checked to ensure no fire extension had occurred.  A Fire Investigator was dispatched to the incident.  After checking the home for carbon monoxide, occupants were allowed back inside.  Fire crews returned to station.

The Fire Investigator determined this was an accidental fire.  A hot plate was accidentally turned on.  Damage is estimated to be $10,000.

The Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call at 12:24pm reporting a vehicle inside a building at 705 Central Avenue.  Dispatched to the scene were two engines, a rescue and a battalion chief. 

Upon arrival crews were presented with a vehicle that traveled into a store front and simultaneously firefighter/paramedics began treatment of two patients with injuries, stabilizing the vehicle to prevent movement and isolating heat sources to prevent a fire.

Transported to hospital were two patients, and a firefighter/paramedic to aid in pre-hospital treatment.

The scene is being turned over to Saskatoon Police Service for further investigation.