Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

At around 12:42 a.m. on September 9, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple reports of smoke exiting a structure in the 200 block of 33rd Street West. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief responded.

Arriving on scene in less than three minutes, fire crews found visible smoke coming from a small, boarded-up mixed-use residential/commercial structure. Firefighters breached entry to the property grounds through a rear chain-linked fence before also breaching entry to the structure itself through a rear door. Inside, firefighters were met with heavy, dark smoke and mild heat conditions; maneuvering through a significant amount of debris and clutter, fire crews located and extinguished a fire in the basement within 30 minutes from the time of the first fire engine arriving on scene. An extensive search of the structure confirmed there to be no occupants, pets, or further extension of the fire; there were no injuries as a result. 

Ventilation of the structure was completed prior to fire crews concluding on scene and returning to their stations to continue proudly serving Saskatoon and area.

This incident remains under investigation with both fire and police investigators.

At around 5:34 p.m. on September 8, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department was alerted to a single motor vehicle collision involving an overturned vehicle and the possibility of entrapment. One fire engine, one rescue unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for immediate response. 

Arriving on scene in just over four minutes, firefighters accessed the collision scene and made contact with the patient trapped inside of the overturned vehicle. Upon assessing the situation, firefighters began preparing the patient and vehicle for the extrication process; using hydraulic rescue tools, the roof of the vehicle was partially removed and the patient was successfully freed by about 6:02 p.m..

Fire crews performed debris clean-up before concluding on scene and returning to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon and surrounding area. 

At approximately 1:34 p.m. on September 8, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a single attached garage on fire in the 200 block of Henick Crescent; the caller reported all three occupants to be out of the attached residential structure but one large dog remained inside. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief responded.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find visible flames on the front right exterior corner of the garage. In less than 10 minutes from the time of fire dispatchers receiving the 911 call, fire crews had extinguished the flames and confirmed there to be no further extension inwards. The large dog was located uninjured on the second level of the residential structure and was reunited with its owners.

A fire investigator has identified this fire to be accidental as a result of the careless disposal of smoking materials. Members of the public are advised to dispose of smoking materials in a metal, ceramic, or glass container with a tight-fitting lid and enough sand or water at the bottom to cover the discarded smoking materials. The container should have enough weight that it can not be easily tipped over or moved by weather conditions. Damage has been estimated at about $10,000. Smoking material fires are preventable fires; be sure to properly put it out.

The Saskatoon Fire Department would like to remind residents and visitors of safe practices for purchasing, enjoying, and disposing of fireworks. This Labour Day, Monday, September 7th, low-hazard fireworks can only be discharged on private property between the hours of dusk and 11:00 p.m.

Low-hazard fireworks are designed for public recreational use and include roman candles and sparklers, among others, and travel less than 50m (160ft) high.

High-hazard fireworks are designed for professionals and can only be purchased by persons holding a valid Fireworks Supervisor – Level I or Level II card issued by Natural Resources Canada.

Residents and visitors are reminded of the risks and obligations associated with fireworks:

• Carefully read and follow the manufacturer instructions,
• Exercise increased caution when handling and discharging any type of firework,
• Choose your location wisely, noting that fireworks can only be discharged on private property,
• Ensure your location is free of overhead obstructions, is clear side-to-side, and is a safe distance from combustible materials,
• Familiarize yourself with the space requirements for the type of firework being discharged; requirements vary depending on the firework type,
• Be sure to properly stabilize the firework according to manufacturer direction, and
• Keep in mind that you are solely responsible for any debris that may land on your spectators or another’s property.

After dusk, when you are ready to discharge the fireworks, ensure that it is not windy and that all spectators are safely located to observe the display. Remember to always light the fuse at its tip; other than sparklers, never light or hold a lit firework in your hand. Always have a water supply available when discharging fireworks.

Wait at least 30 minutes before beginning the clean-up process. At that time, it’s a good idea to dispose of used fireworks and debris in a pail of water. Never try to relight or fix the fuse on fireworks that didn’t go off.

Always be extremely careful when discharging fireworks. The debris or smoldering embers could cause injuries, property damage, and/or fires.

Currently, there is no fire ban in effect for the City of Saskatoon; for residents and visitors in surrounding communities, please consult your rural municipality for information specific to your area. If you choose to celebrate Labour Day by sending off your own fireworks, remember to follow all recommended safety practices and comply with public health orders, including physical distancing measures and public gathering restrictions relative to COVID-19.

The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Labour Day!

At approximately 9:37 p.m. on September 1, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a possible residential structure fire in the 200 block of Avenue N South. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response.

Arriving on scene in less than three minutes, firefighters located a small fire on the exterior of the structure. Initiating an immediate attack on the fire using a hose line and water from the fire engine's on-board supply, fire crews brought the flames under control by about 9:57 p.m. and entered the structure to begin searches; there were no occupants or pets located and the fire did not extend into the structure. Fire dispatchers notified the appropriate utility providers as utilities servicing the structure were required to be shut down. Firefighters conducted ventilation to clear a light haze of smoke and possible traces of carbon monoxide from the structure before leaving the scene with fire and police investigators.

A fire investigator has identified this fire to be incendiary and has estimated the damage to be about $3,500. Members of the public are reminded to report non-emergent suspicious activity to the Saskatoon Police Service by calling 306-975-8300; in an emergency, call 911 immediately.

After an in-depth cause and origin examination of the scene, a fire investigator has identified the fire that occurred in the 700 block of Weldon Avenue on August 28, 2020 to be incendiary. Damage has been estimated at about $30,000.

In conduction of the scene examination, deficiencies with the smoke alarms throughout the residential structure were noted. The Fire Prevention & Investigation section is reminding members of the public of the importance in having operable smoke and carbon monoxide alarms; test these alarms monthly, changing the batteries annually or when the alarm begins to sound intermittently, and replace the entire alarm on or before the expiry date printed on the label.

The Saskatoon Fire Department has involved the Saskatoon Police Service on this incident.

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At approximately 3:23 p.m. on August 28, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting dark smoke exiting the basement area of a residential structure in the 700 block of Weldon Avenue. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief responded to the scene. 

Firefighters arrived to find heavy black smoke and a significant amount of heat being produced from the basement of the structure; immediately deploying hose lines and connecting to nearby hydrants, fire crews softened the fire from the exterior prior to making entry to continue full extinguishment from the interior. Firefighters shut down utilities to the structure as fire dispatchers requested the attendance of utility technicians on scene. There were no occupants, pets, or further extension of the fire located during multiple searches of the structure. 

A fire investigator is beginning work to identify a cause and assess the damage; firefighters have since concluded their work on scene and are returning to their stations to continue proudly serving Saskatoon and surrounding area. 

At approximately 3:23 p.m. on August 28, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting dark smoke exiting the basement area of a residential structure in the 700 block of Weldon Avenue. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief responded to the scene. 

Firefighters arrived to find heavy black smoke and a significant amount of heat being produced from the basement of the structure; immediately deploying hose lines and connecting to nearby hydrants, fire crews softened the fire from the exterior prior to making entry to continue full extinguishment from the interior. Firefighters shut down utilities to the structure as fire dispatchers requested the attendance of utility technicians on scene. There were no occupants, pets, or further extension of the fire located during multiple searches of the structure. 

A fire investigator is beginning work to identify a cause and assess the damage; firefighters have since concluded their work on scene and are returning to their stations to continue proudly serving Saskatoon and surrounding area. 

At around 1:37 p.m. on August 27, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting an oven on fire in one of the units within a multi-unit apartment building. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response.

Arriving on scene in less than three minutes, firefighters located an extinguished fire that had been contained to the oven; it was reported that a neighbouring occupant in the apartment building used a fire extinguisher to successfully put out the fire prior ot the arrival of fire crews. Firefighters confirmed there to be no further extension beyond the oven; they then established ventilation to clear the building of remaining smoke and minimal levels of carbon monoxide.

Fire crews left the scene with a building manager and have since returned to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon and area. 

At about 9:02 p.m. on August 25, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting garbage on fire in an alley along 4th Avenue North. One fire engine was initially dispatched to extinguish the small fire. Upon arriving on scene, the commanding fire officer noted smoke exiting a structure in the 100 block of 4th Avenue North and upgraded the response to include an additional two fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief. 

Firefighters breached entry to the structure, quickly locating and extinguishing an interior fire using a mixture of water and foam. Smoke was ventilated from the structure and searches were conducted to ensure vacancy prior to firefighters concluding on scene. No significant extension of the fire occurred and there were no injuries to fire or civilian personnel reported as a result of this incident. 

A fire investigator is conducting a scene examination to identify the cause and origin of this fire. A damage estimate is not yet available. 

At approximately 4:03 p.m. on August 25, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received notification through the Sask911 Prince Albert Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) of a mutual aid request in the Pike Lake, Saskatchewan area for reports of a missing child near the water. Two water rescue units and one battalion chief were dispatched from the Saskatoon Fire Department's fleet of apparatus.

Water rescue crews arrived on scene to find a nine year-old male patient unresponsive on the shoreline; he was being attended to by paramedics and police. It is understood that the child was not wearing a lifejacket or PFD when he was removed from the water. Alongside first responders from partner agencies, firefighter-paramedics assisted in conducting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as STARS Air Ambulance prepared for transport of the patient to a hospital in Saskatoon; he was transported in critical condition at around 4:53 p.m.. 

The Saskatoon Fire Department would like to acknowledge the collaborative response to this incident that included Medavie Health Services West, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, STARS Air Ambulance, Delisle & District Fire Department, and the Saskatchewan Provincial Parks staff.

The investigation into a fire that occurred in the 100 block of Avenue Q South on August 23, 2020 has concluded. A fire investigator has identified the fire to be incendiary with damage estimated at $20,000. 

Members of the public are encouraged to report non-emergent suspicious activity to the Saskatoon Police Service by calling 306-975-8300; in an emergency, call 911 immediately. 

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At approximately 1:12 p.m. on August 23, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a garage on fire in the 100 block of Avenue Q South. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Arriving on scene within minutes, firefighters observed heavy smoke exiting from a large, four-car, partially boarded-up detached residential garage. Fire crews began an immediate attack on the fire, bringing the flames under control in less than 20 minutes from the time of the first fire engine arriving on scene. An on-scene utility provider assisted in terminating the utilities servicing the structure. Upon confirmation of a compromised roof system, firefighters exited the structure and continued full extinguishment from the exterior. There were no occupants or pets inside at the time of the fire; no injuries occurred as a result. 

Firefighters have concluded their work on scene and have since been re-deployed to continue serving Saskatoon and surrounding area. A fire investigator will be taking command of the scene to conduct a cause and origin determination.

At approximately 1:12 p.m. on August 23, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a garage on fire in the 100 block of Avenue Q South. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Arriving on scene within minutes, firefighters observed heavy smoke exiting from a large, four-car, partially boarded-up detached residential garage. Fire crews began an immediate attack on the fire, bringing the flames under control in less than 20 minutes from the time of the first fire engine arriving on scene. An on-scene utility provider assisted in terminating the utilities servicing the structure. Upon confirmation of a compromised roof system, firefighters exited the structure and continued full extinguishment from the exterior. There were no occupants or pets inside at the time of the fire; no injuries occurred as a result. 

Firefighters have concluded their work on scene and have since been re-deployed to continue serving Saskatoon and surrounding area. A fire investigator will be taking command of the scene to conduct a cause and origin determination.

At around 8:09 p.m. on August 22, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received notification from an alarm monitoring company of an alarm activation in the 500 block of Queen Street. One fire engine was dispatched to investigate the cause of the activation. Upon arrival of that fire engine, visible smoke was observed to be exiting a window on the second level of the structure; two additional fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were added to the response. 

The on scene fire crew immediately began softening the fire from the exterior until additional resources arrived to support an offensive fire attack strategy. The fire, that had originated on the main level of the structure, was considered to be under control at about 8:53 p.m.. Fire dispatchers requested the attendance of utility providers as multiple utilities to the structure were required to be shut down. Firefighters did not locate any occupants, pets, or further extension of the fire during interior searches and there were no injuries to fire or civilian personnel reported. Ventilation was conducted to evacuate high heat conditions and any remaining smoke or carbon monoxide from the structure.

The Saskatoon Police Service was on scene establishing scene safety and facilitating traffic flow through the area for the duration of this incident.

A fire investigator has confirmed this fire to have originated on the main level and has identified it to be incendiary in nature. Damage has been estimated at approximately $60,000. Members of the public are asked to report non-emergent suspicious activity by calling 306-975-8300; in an emergency, call 911 immediately. 

At around 10:54 p.m. on August 21, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received internal radio communication from the Saskatoon Police Service alerting to a possible structure fire at Dr. John G. Egnatoff School, located in the 200 block of Kenderdine Road. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. It was reported to Police that neighbours had witnessed what appeared to be a ball of fire on the roof of the school.

Upon arrival, fire crews established a laddered connection to the roof and began searching for the fire. There was no fire located; however, firefighters did find discarded items and traces of an accelerant that had previously been on fire. While on scene, fire crews were were made aware of a youth male in the area with burns to his back and neck; firefighter-paramedics attended to the male before he was transported to hospital by ground ambulance for further treatment of what are believed to be minor burns.

No damage to the structure was identified; however, the fire investigator has reasonable evidence to suggest that an incendiary fire occurred.

At approximately 7:39 a.m. on August 22, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a significant amount of smoke in the area; upon further investigation, the caller confirmed smoke to be exiting a residential structure in the 400 block of Avenue G South. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were committed to this incident. 

Arriving on scene in just over two minutes, firefighters found a boarded-up residential structure with smoke visibly exiting from the front. Fire crews immediately made entry, quickly locating and extinguishing a fire on the main level; by about 7:59 a.m. the commanding fire officer deemed the fire to be under control. While searching the structure, firefighters located and removed a live cat from the basement; it was left in the care of a neighbour until the Saskatoon Animal Control Agency could retrieve it. There were no occupants found in the structure and no injuries occurred as a result of this incident. 

A fire investigator has identified this fire to be incendiary, noting extensive water, smoke, and heat damage throughout the structure; the damage has been estimated at around $150,000.

At approximately 8:30 p.m. on August 20, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a possible structure fire in the 1800 block of 20th Street West. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched to the scene. 

Arriving on scene in about three minutes, firefighters observed smoke exiting from the back of the structure and breached the door for entry. A small fire was quickly located in a basement utility room; by around 9:20 p.m. the commanding fire officer had declared the fire to be under control. Fire crews were required to remove ductwork and cut through the main level's floor system to confirm that the fire had not extended beyond the area of origin. It is understood that this property is used for short-term rental accommodations and that it was not occupied at the time of the fire; no injuries occurred as a result.

This fire remains under investigation; a fire investigator has estimated the damage to be around $20,000. 

At around 9:37 a.m. on August 20, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting the back deck and door of a residential structure to be on fire in the 2000 block of 37th Street West. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Firefighters arrived on scene to find that the fire had been fully extinguished by a neighbour prior to their arrival. The commanding fire officer terminated the response of the additional fire crews. Firefighters searched the house, confirming there to be no further extension of the fire. There were no injuries to fire or civilian personnel as a result of this incident. 

A fire investigator has identified the fire to have started on the exterior of the house; however, the exact cause remains undetermined. Damage has been estimated at around $10,000.

At approximately 12:49 p.m. on August 20, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a motor vehicle collision in the area of Faithfull Avenue and 42nd Street East. The caller reported a single vehicle to have struck a power pole, knocking down many live power lines. Two fire engines, one rescue unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Arriving on scene in about 20 seconds, firefighters located the vehicle involved and confirmed the power pole to have collapsed across it. A significant amount of transformer fluid was found to be leaking onto the ground. Fire dispatchers alerted multiple utility providers and an environmental clean-up company to attend the scene. The driver and lone occupant of the vehicle was medically assessed by firefighter-paramedics before being transported to hospital by ground ambulance for further evaluation of what are believed to be minor injuries. It is understood that the driver may have experienced a medical emergency prior to the collision.

A significant power outage has occurred as a result of this incident; utility technicians are currently working to restore the power in the affected area. Updates on the status of this outage are available at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts.

At around 4:40 p.m. on August 16, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting the back of a residential structure to be on fire in the 300 block of Avenue R South. Four fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were committed to this incident. 

Arriving on scene in just over three minutes, firefighters found a fully involved residential structure with flames extending towards exposures at two adjacent properties; it was soon confirmed that one of these adjacent properties was also involved in fire. The commanding fire officer made an informed decision to deploy an aerosol fire suppression tool, otherwise referred to as a fire suppression grenade, into one of the involved structures to rapidly control the heat and spread of fire. Fire dispatchers contacted the appropriate utility technicians for attendance to address a compromised power pole and shut down utilities to the affected structures. Fire crews performed searches of the structures and confirmed there to be no occupants or pets inside. Both involved structures were boarded-up at the time of the fire. Firefighters ensured there was no further extension occurring before the fire was declared under control at approximately 6:07 p.m. 

There were no injuries to fire or civilian personnel as a result of this incident. A cause and damage estimate are not available at this time. 

The Saskatoon Fire Department has had aerosol fire suppression tools in select fire apparatus for about one year; in recent months, coverage of this equipment has been expanded into additional fire apparatus to continue protecting life and property in the City of Saskatoon and surrounding area.

At approximately 9:10 a.m. on August 16, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting the passenger cabin of a semi unit on fire in the area of 71st Street East and Burron Avenue. The caller was unsure of the occupancy of the semi. Two fire engines, one rescue unit, and one battalion chief responded. 

Arriving on scene in about four minutes, fire crews located a fully involved semi unit and immediately began flowing a mixture of water and foam through a hose line to extinguish the flames. Firefighters forced entry into the passenger cabin and confirmed there to be no occupants inside. The commanding fire officer declared the loss to be stopped at around 9:33 a.m. 

The Saskatoon Police Service attended the scene to gather information and make contact with the operator as the semi unit was no longer able to be driven; the scene was left in their care prior to fire crews clearing the scene and returning to their stations. 

At approximately 5:39 p.m. on August 11, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting persons in the South Saskatchewan River, holding onto logs in an area downstream of the University Bridge. One fire engine, one water rescue unit, one battalion chief were committed to this incident. 

Water Rescue One with three surface water technicians aboard was deployed onto the South Saskatchewan River from an emergency boat launch and proceeded to rescue an individual located 225 meters upstream from the buoys, then continued further downstream to retrieve the second person.  Neither individual were wearing life jackets.

The rescued adults, one male and one female, were brought to shore, assessed by firefighter/paramedics and after determining they sustained no injuries, were turned over to the Saskatoon Police Service.

The Saskatoon Fire Department encourages all river users to wear life jackets.

At 2:29 am the Saskatoon fire department began receiving 911 calls reporting a fire in the 500 block of Ave G South.  Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response.  The first fire crews were on scene 2 minutes and 45 seconds after leaving the fire station and observed flames between two houses.

Fire crews advanced a hose line to begin putting water on the fire and quickly suppressed further fire growth.

Fire damage was sustained to the exterior of the two occupied homes.  There were no injuries as a result of this fire and a fire investigator estimates damages at $3000, while the cause if the fire remains under investigation.

At 11:11 pm, fire communications center received a call for a garage fire in the 800 block of 9th Avenue North.  3 engine companies, a rescue unit, a ladder truck, and the battalion chief were dispatched.  On arrival, the incident commander reported a garage fully involved in fire.  Firefighters gained access by using a chainsaw to enter through the overhead door.  For safety reasons, Saskatoon Light and Power was requested and they disabled the power line due to fire impingement.  Garages to the north and south sustained damage as well.

No injuries to civilians or firefighters occurred at this incident.

An under control of the fire was called at 11:29 pm.  A fire investigator was called to the scene and conducted a cause and origin scene examination.  The cause of the fire has been determined as incendiary with $30,000 damage being sustained. 

At 11:11 pm the Saskatoon Fire Department began receiving multiple 911 calls reporting a fire in the 800 block of 9^th Ave North.  Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. The first fire crews were on scene 3 minutes and 13 seconds after leaving the fire station and observed flames between two houses.

First arriving fire crews observed a detach garage with fire burning through the roof.  Using a chain saw to breach the overhead garage door, crews applied water into the building.  A downed power line necessitated extra precautions while working to extinguish the fire.

There were no injuries as a result of this fire.  A fire investigator is on scene to determine fire cause and damage estimates.

Saskatoon Fire Department's evening of fires started at 1727 hours when our communications centre received a call reporting a kitchen fire at a commercial restaurant on 24th Street East.  Four pumpers, a ladder truck, battalion chief and fire investigator responded to the call.  On arrival, light smoke was showing from the roof and fire crews found a fire in the commercial kitchen that extended into the ceiling space.  This fire was brought under control at 1757 hours.  The fire investigator identified that the fire originated on the top of the commercial cooking equipment.  Cause of the fire has been deemed an accidental grease fire that caused $10 000 in damage.

The fire investigator remains on scene for the fire that occurred at 0224 hours in the 500 block of Albert Avenue.  An update on the cause and origin will be released once the scene examination has been completed.

SFD received a call at 0649 hours, for a report of smoke showing in a basement in the  1100 block of 6th Street East.  Three pumpers, a ladder truck, a rescue unit, battalion chief and a fire investigator responded to the scene.  Fire crews on arrival identified a small fire in the basement.  No injuries occurred as a result of this fire.  A fire investigator is currently on scene completing the fire investigation.  Damage is $5000 from this fire that originated on the top of the stove.

Fire crews have cleared from these incidents and continue to serve our community.

The Saskatoon Fire Department responded to a structure fire where multiple 911 calls were received at 02:24 am. Neighbours reported through these calls that the 2 ½ storey house was fully involved in fire. The multi suite residential structure fire occurred in the 500 block of Albert Avenue.

Four engine companies, one rescue truck, one ladder truck, and Battalion Chief were part of the initial response. On arrival the first arriving apparatus found the structure fully involved with flame impinging on both neighboring homes to the north and south. 

Crews initially advanced hand lines to protect the exposure building from further damage then conducted a transitional fire attack to reduce the extensive flame and heat before entering the home. Once safe to do so, crews entered the home from the front of the building on the main floor and on the second floor through the rear of the building aggressively attacking the fire, while conducting a search on each floor of the building.  At approximately 03:04 a person was located on the third floor. 

There were seven people currently residing at the property. Six people were able to evacuate from the structure fire. Two people were transported to hospital. One person was found deceased.

A Saskatoon Fire Department Investigator and Saskatoon Police Service remain on scene at this time. A damage estimate and determination of cause is not available at this time.

At approximately 8:13 p.m. on August 1, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a detached residential garage on fire in the 200 block of Avenue G South. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Arriving on scene in about two minutes, fire crews located a fully involved garage producing a significant amount of black smoke. As fire crews began connecting to nearby hydrants, the commanding fire officer notified fire dispatchers of a power pole on fire in the area and requested the attendance of the appropriate utility technicians. The fire, that had extended to a neighbouring fence, was quickly brought under control. Searches of the structure confirmed there to be no occupants or pets inside at the time of the fire and no injuries occurred as a result of this incident. Firefighters concluded their work on scene at around 9:14 p.m. and turned the scene over to a fire investigator. 

The fire investigator has confirmed this fire to be incendiary and has estimated the damage at approximately $30,000.

At approximately 7:25 a.m. on August 1, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting black smoke exiting a residential structure in the 800 block of 20th Street West. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

The first fire engine arrived on scene in two minutes to find a small bungalow with smoke visible from the exterior; firefighters were alerted on scene to the possibility of an occupant in the basement. Immediately connecting to nearby hydrants and making entry into the structure, firefighters located and extinguished a fire in the basement. All occupants were soon accounted for and were confirmed to have safely self-evacuated prior to the arrival of fire crews. Firefighters considered the fire to be under control by about 7:46 a.m. and confirmed the fire to have been contained to the basement. Ventilation was started to clear a significant amount of smoke from the structure. While performing searches, one deceased cat was located in the basement. Fire crews have since concluded on scene and returned to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon. 

A fire investigator has identified this fire to be accidental as a result of the improper disposal of smoking materials. Damage is estimated at approximately $25,000. 

At approximately 1:43 a.m. on August 1, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a garage on fire in the 300 block of 10th Street East; additional calls indicated multiple garages on fire at this location. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response.

Arriving on scene in about three minutes, fire crews located two fully involved detached residential garages and a household garbage bin on fire. Live, arcing power lines had fallen as a result of the fire; fire dispatchers alerted the appropriate utility technicians to attend the scene. An immediate defensive fire attack was initiated, with firefighters bringing the fire under control in about 10 minutes from the time of the first 911 call being processed. In addition to the garages, fire crews also extinguished a household garbage bin a short distance down the alley and a large tree that the garage fires had extended to. There were no injuries to fire or civilian personnel as a result of this incident. 

Both fire and police investigators have concluded on scene, confirming this fire to be incendiary with damage estimated at about $30,000. 

At around 12:49 a.m. on August 1, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received many 911 calls reporting a vehicle on fire near a building in the 500 block of 5th Avenue North. One fire engine, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief responded. 

Arriving on scene in less than four minutes, firefighters immediately deployed a hose line and used the fire engine's on-board water supply to extinguish a fully involved GMC truck. Fire crews searched the truck and confirmed there to be no occupants inside. Minor heat damage occurred to the building as a result of this fire; the truck will be a total loss.

A fire investigator has confirmed the fire to have originated in the engine compartment and has estimated the damage to be approximately $15,000. 

At approximately 8:53 a.m. on July 30, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a grass fire in the area of the Saskatchewan Railway Museum, near Highway 60 south of Saskatoon; the caller reported the fire to be moving towards nearby structures. One fire engine, two brush trucks, two water tankers, and one battalion chief were committed to this incident. 

Upon arrival, firefighters immediately began work to extinguish the fire and protect surrounding exposures; using water tankers to establish a water supply on scene and moving across the rural terrain in brush trucks, fire crews extinguished multiple small fires in the area. Firefighters concluded their work on scene by about 11:38 a.m. when the commanding fire officer declared the loss to be stopped. No structures or museum artifacts were lost as a result of the fire and no injuries occurred.

As this area is outside of the Saskatoon Fire Department's investigative jurisdiction, a cause and origin determination was not conducted.

At approximately 9:52 p.m. on July 29, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department was alerted by both an alarm company and a 911 call to reports of water flowing into the parking garage of a multi-unit residential structure in the 400 block of Avenue C South. One fire engine was dispatched to investigate the concern. 

Arriving in less than one minute, firefighters found an audible alarm sounding, a large evacuation in progress, and a significant amount of water flowing into the parking garage. As fire crews worked to find the source of the water, fire dispatchers began locating information about the building as well as its fire suppression equipment and servicing history. Firefighters confirmed the water to be coming from a compromised water main and requested the attendance of utility technicians from the City of Saskatoon. Most residents were able to safely remove their vehicles from the parking garage without issue while the water was being shut off. 

The commanding fire officer informed the building manager that a fire watch would be required due to the fire suppression equipment and alarm panel being out of commission. Fire crews left the scene with the building manager at about 11:44 p.m. and returned to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon. A damage estimate for this incident is not available.

At approximately 10:07 p.m. on July 29, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting the anchor of an inflatable craft to have become entangled in the river with three persons on board the craft; as fire dispatchers obtained additional information, one person was reported to have gone missing from the craft. One fire engine, one water rescue unit, one public affairs official, and one battalion chief were committed to this incident.

The water rescue unit was deployed onto the South Saskatchewan River from an emergency boat launch and immediately advanced towards the area; quickly locating two persons and their craft, fire crews communicated with members of the Saskatoon Police Service who had located and safely retrieved the third person from this group near the shoreline of the Gordie Howe Bridge.

No injuries were sustained as a result of this incident. The water rescue unit has since been removed from the water and all fire personnel have returned to continue serving the residents and visitors of Saskatoon.

At approximately 6:37 p.m. on July 29, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received several 911 calls reporting visible smoke and flames coming from the roof of the Confederation Mall, located at 300 Confederation Drive. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Firefighters arrived on scene in just over one minute to find a significant amount of smoke in the area of the roof. Immediately making entry to the commercial structure, fire crews located the fire and extinguished it in less than 20 minutes from the time of the first fire engine arriving on scene; both a fire extinguisher and a fire hose flowing water were used in this fire's extinguishment. Firefighters were confident in confirming that the fire had not extended into the structure by about 7:06 p.m. and began concluding their work on scene. No injuries to fire or civilian personnel were reported as a result of this incident. 

A fire investigator is conducting a cause and origin investigation to identify the specifics of this fire; the damage has not yet been assessed.

At approximately 6:35 p.m. on July 28, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a fence on fire in the 100 block of Martin Crescent. Based on the initial information received, one fire engine was dispatched for response; upon receiving additional information from the caller, the response was upgraded to include two more fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief. 

Upon arrival of the first responding fire engine, a small section of fence was found to be burning between two residential structures; the fire was extending towards both exposures. Bringing the fire under control within minutes, firefighters then began to search for further extension into the structures and test carbon monoxide levels. There were no injuries to fire or civilian personnel as a result of this incident.

Fire crews are concluding on scene and will soon return to their stations to continue serving the residents and visitors of Saskatoon. A fire investigator is working to confirm a cause and assess the damage; upon an initial review, two structures and one fence are understood to have been damaged from the fire. An update will be provided upon new information becoming known. 

The investigation into a fire that occurred in the 400 block of 110th Street West on July 24, 2020 has concluded. A fire investigator has identified this fire to be accidental as a result of an overheated appliance that had been plugged into the stove. Damage is estimated at about $80,000. 

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At approximately 11:40 a.m. on July 24, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a kitchen to be on fire at a residence in the 400 block of 110th Street West; while on the phone with fire dispatchers, the caller reported to have extinguished the fire with a garden hose but was unsure if it had extended beyond the kitchen. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Arriving in less than four minutes, firefighters located a partially extinguished fire in the area of the kitchen. The lone occupant had self-evacuated prior to the arrival of fire crews. Firefighters suppressed the remaining fire, confirming it to be fully extinguished by about 12:00 p.m. Fire crews searched the structure for possible extension and initiated ventilation to clear the area of remaining smoke and carbon monoxide. Firefighters have since concluded on scene and returned to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon. 

A fire investigator is working to identify a cause and assess the damage.

At around 12:22 p.m. on July 26, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a permanently closed, boarded-up gas station to be on fire in the 300 block of Avenue W South. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response.

Arriving in less than three minutes, firefighters found flames coming from a boarded-up gas pump; there was no threat of extension to nearby structures. Firefighters brought the fire under control within about five minutes of fire dispatchers receiving the first 911 call. There were no injuries to fire or civilian personnel as a result of this incident. 

A fire investigator has confirmed this fire to be incendiary with damage estimated at approximately $10,000. 

At approximately 11:57 p.m. on July 24, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department was alerted to a motor vehicle collision involving a motorcycle and a deer at Highway 16 and Floral Road. One fire engine and one rescue unit were dispatched for response. 

Upon arrival, fire crews located the motorcycle, operator, and deer on the highway among scattered debris and human and animal biohazards. Firefighter-paramedics assessed a 55 year-old male patient before loading him into a ground ambulance and accompanying him to hospital for treatment of what are believed to be serious injuries. Remaining fire crews decontaminated the highway of biohazards before concluding on scene and returning to their stations to continue proudly serving Saskatoon and area. 

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Corman Park Police Service provided scene safety on the highway and assisted in gathering information for this incident.

At approximately 11:40 a.m. on July 24, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a kitchen to be on fire at a residence in the 400 block of 110th Street West; while on the phone with fire dispatchers, the caller reported to have extinguished the fire with a garden hose but was unsure if it had extended beyond the kitchen. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Arriving in less than four minutes, firefighters located a partially extinguished fire in the area of the kitchen. The lone occupant had self-evacuated prior to the arrival of fire crews. Firefighters suppressed the remaining fire, confirming it to be fully extinguished by about 12:00 p.m. Fire crews searched the structure for possible extension and initiated ventilation to clear the area of remaining smoke and carbon monoxide. Firefighters have since concluded on scene and returned to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon. 

A fire investigator is working to identify a cause and assess the damage.

The re-location team has completed the first phase of the support for residents of the City Centre Inn and Suites.

As of Thursday evening, July 23, 120 individuals were provided the opportunity for temporary housing and re-location to local shelters and local hotels. Several residents were provided longer-term housing options.

“An amazing team came together and performed incredible work here,” says Assistant Chief Yvonne Raymer. “Re-housing this many people in such a short time – and under these circumstances – is an accomplishment practically unheard of."

“Emergency Management Organization’s leadership in bringing together all the government and community-based partners, and the willingness of those organizations to problem-solve together, responding to every changing circumstance, speaks to the heart and care of our city.”

Today, Friday, July 24 the Ministry of Social Services and AIDS Saskatoon staff will be connecting with the residents to:

• Confirm they are at the re-location site
• Provide clothing vouchers
• Follow-up with requests for additional supports

The Salvation Army will be providing food for residents over the weekend at their re-location site.

The re-housing team will meet Monday to determine additional actions to support residents with longer-term housing placements.

More information:

Update: Fire Department & community partners move to house residents of unsafe motel

A full summary of City Centre Inn & Suites Order of Closure can be found here.

The plan to provide housing for residents displaced as a result of the Fire Department ordering the closure of the City Centre Inn and Suites, continues to move forward.  As of 1 p.m. residents began to move to alternate housing. That process is still underway.

The Ministry of Social Services offered the option of temporary housing at local shelters.  Residents with medical or unique personal needs were offered the option of temporary housing in local hotels.

A full summary of City Centre Inn & Suites Order of Closure can be found here.

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The Saskatoon Fire Department with the support of many community partner organizations will today take action to house approximately 150 residents of the City Centre Inn and Suites.

The Fire Department has taken the unusual but necessary steps ordering a closure of the entire City Centre Inn and Suites because of unsafe and unsanitary living conditions; the notice remains pending and will be in effect at 3 p.m. today, Thursday, July 23.

“The Department is limited in its legal authority to enter and inspect what are essentially people’s homes,” says Assistant Chief Yvonne Raymer.  “Once we were alerted by an anonymous complaint, we moved forward with the inspection process.  When it became clear there were immediate hazards because of unsafe and unclean living conditions, we quickly moved to close the entire facility.”

Approximately seven teams will conduct door-to-door visits to each room at the City Center Inn and Suites to support relocation of the residents.

The circulating teams will be comprised of:

• One health professional to conduct COVID screening and swab testing
• Two or more outreach workers to assess needs and determine appropriate housing options

Over 50 staff resources from the following agencies will be on site to support this process:

• 10 – 12  members from the Saskatoon Tribal Council
• Seven Ministry of Social Services members plus one supervisor
• Five members from the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA)
• Five members from The Salvation Army
• Three members from AIDS Saskatoon
• Three members from Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership
• Two members from Saskatchewan Housing Authority
• Two members from the City of Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization
• One member from Public Health

The SHA Health Bus is one on site until 4:30 p.m.

Saskatoon Transit is providing transportation to the new locations for the residents. 

Canada Post is supporting the residents with change of address.

Meals, water and coffee for staff and displaced residents is being provided by the Salvation Army today.

Single adults will go either to a shelter, hotel or stay with family or friends for short term housing needs. 

The Saskatchewan Housing Authority is also on site to provide case management for longer term housing options.

Four families have already been relocated.

“The Fire Department is so grateful for the collaboration and support of our government and community based partners to make this happen in roughly 48 hours,” Raymer says.

Assistant Chief Raymer says the most recent visit to 610 Idylwyld Drive North which involved four Fire Inspectors revealed an immediate hazard with issues such as:

• unsafe and unsanitary conditions
• locked exit doors
• stairs at risk of collapse
• combustible material too close to buildings
• inaccessible fire extinguishers
• too few and uninspected extinguishers
• improper smoke alarm records
• failure to maintain fire alarm systems

The owner of the City Centre Inn and Suites has been ordered to remedy 34 deficiencies under the Property Maintenance and Nuisance Abatement Bylaw; and 27 deficiencies under the National Fire Code of Canada.

The closure notice – which is pending – is expected to be in effect by 3 p.m. today, Thursday, July 23.

The Saskatoon Fire Department with the support of many community partner organizations will today take action to house approximately 150 residents of the City Centre Inn and Suites.

The Fire Department has taken the unusual but necessary steps ordering a closure of the entire City Centre Inn and Suites because of unsafe and unsanitary living conditions; the notice remains pending and will be in effect at 3 p.m. today, Thursday, July 23.

“The Department is limited in its legal authority to enter and inspect what are essentially people’s homes,” says Assistant Chief Yvonne Raymer.  “Once we were alerted by an anonymous complaint, we moved forward with the inspection process.  When it became clear there were immediate hazards because of unsafe and unclean living conditions, we quickly moved to close the entire facility.”

Approximately seven teams will conduct door-to-door visits to each room at the City Center Inn and Suites to support relocation of the residents.

The circulating teams will be comprised of:

• One health professional to conduct COVID screening and swab testing
• Two or more outreach workers to assess needs and determine appropriate housing options

Over 50 staff resources from the following agencies will be on site to support this process:

• 10 – 12  members from the Saskatoon Tribal Council
• Seven Ministry of Social Services members plus one supervisor
• Five members from the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA)
• Five members from The Salvation Army
• Three members from AIDS Saskatoon
• Three members from Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership
• Two members from Saskatchewan Housing Authority
• Two members from the City of Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization
• One member from Public Health

The SHA Health Bus is one on site until 4:30 p.m.

Saskatoon Transit is providing transportation to the new locations for the residents. 

Canada Post is supporting the residents with change of address.

Meals, water and coffee for staff and displaced residents is being provided by the Salvation Army today.

Single adults will go either to a shelter, hotel or stay with family or friends for short term housing needs. 

The Saskatchewan Housing Authority is also on site to provide case management for longer term housing options.

Four families have already been relocated.

“The Fire Department is so grateful for the collaboration and support of our government and community based partners to make this happen in roughly 48 hours,” Raymer says.

Assistant Chief Raymer says the most recent visit to 610 Idylwyld Drive North which involved four Fire Inspectors revealed an immediate hazard with issues such as:

• unsafe and unsanitary conditions
• locked exit doors
• stairs at risk of collapse
• combustible material too close to buildings
• inaccessible fire extinguishers
• too few and uninspected extinguishers
• improper smoke alarm records
• failure to maintain fire alarm systems

The owner of the City Centre Inn and Suites has been ordered to remedy 34 deficiencies under the Property Maintenance and Nuisance Abatement Bylaw; and 27 deficiencies under the National Fire Code of Canada.

The closure notice – which is pending – is expected to be in effect by 3 p.m. today, Thursday, July 23.

The Saskatoon Fire Department has taken the unusual but necessary steps to consider an order to close all or a portion of the City Centre Inn and Suites because of unsafe and unsanitary living conditions; the notice is pending and expected to be in effect at the latest by 3 p.m. Thursday, July 23.

“The law gives property owners and landlords many chances to do what’s right to ensure people have safe, healthy places to live.” says Saskatoon Fire Chief Morgan Hackl.

“However, this property has had a lengthy history with our department.  Following repeated inspections, orders to remedy issues, and tickets, the conditions have degraded to such a deplorable state the Fire Department can no longer allow people to live there.”

Chief Hackl says the most recent visit to 610 Idylwyld Drive North which involved four Fire Inspectors revealed an immediate hazard with issues such as:

• unsafe and unsanitary conditions
• locked exit doors
• stairs at risk of collapse
• combustible material too close to buildings
• inaccessible fire extinguishers
• too few and uninspected extinguishers
• improper smoke alarm records
• failure to maintain fire alarm systems

The owner of the City Centre Inn and Suites has been ordered to remedy 34 deficiencies under the Property Maintenance and Nuisance Abatement Bylaw; and 27 deficiencies under the National Fire Code of Canada.

The Fire Department and Emergency Management Organization has been working closely with its community partners including the Ministries of Health and Social Services, the Saskatchewan Health Authority, the Saskatoon Tribal Council, Saskatoon Housing Initiative Partnership and AIDS Saskatoon to relocate roughly 150 residents, including three children, and to place them in safe, healthy accommodations.

Going door-to-door – and working in teams – fire officials today are informing residents of the pending closure and that other housing will be available for them based on each resident’s health-care or personal needs.  Residents will be housed in a combination of hotels, shelters or housing units in the short-term with the goal to place these residents in long-term housing. Tomorrow, Thursday July 23rd, teams of fire, health and housing workers will meet with each resident to establish housing plans for each resident.  Each resident will also be screened for COVID-19 and assisted with any other health-related issues.

For now and until residents can be relocated, a private security firm will be on fire watch duty, should there be a need to call firefighters for an emergent incident.

“We adopted a community approach to this issue, to make sure that taking action on a serious problem was going to have the least impact as possible on every resident involved,” Chief Hackl says.  “Our focus, as always, is about community safety.”

At approximately 10:15 a.m. on July 21, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a possible natural gas leak in the 400 block of Avenue Y South. One fire engine, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response.

 Arriving on scene in about four minutes, firefighters located a compromised natural gas line with gas audibly being released. Fire dispatchers notified the appropriate utility technicians to attend the scene as fire crews began evacuations of affected properties. Firefighters assisted with digging down to the line, allowing utility technicians to clamp the compromised line and stop the flow of natural gas. Fire crews ventilated the area prior to returning to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon.

The Saskatoon Police Service restricted traffic on Avenue Y between 18th Street and 19th Street for the duration of this incident; the area was reopened to the public and the scene left with utility technicians at approximately 11:54 a.m.

The investigation into a fire that occurred at a previously fire damaged property in the 1600 block of Avenue C North on July 16, 2020 has concluded. A fire investigator has confirmed the fire to be incendiary. The structure must be leveled and the site cleared on or before July 31, 2020 to be in compliance with a perviously posted demolition order. The Fire Prevention and Investigation section will continue to monitor the status of this property in the coming weeks. 

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At approximately 11:51 p.m. on July 16, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a boarded-up property in the 1600 block of Avenue C North to be fully involved in flames. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response; one public affairs official was also immediately notified.

Firefighters arrived on scene in about two minutes to find visible smoke and flames exiting from a perviously delinquent property. Fire crews connected to a nearby hydrant and initiated an immediate fire attack at the back of the property. In less than 20 minutes, firefighters brought the flames under control and had begun overhaul efforts to search for possible extension of the fire; finding none, the property was confirmed vacant and turned over to a fire investigator. 

This fire is presenting as suspicious and a fire investigator is working to confirm a cause. As this property remains under an active demolition order with previous fire damage, a damage estimate resulting from this fire will not be available.

At approximately 4:12 p.m. on July 19, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a detached garage on fire in the 1200 block of Avenue F North. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for immediate response. 

Arriving on scene within three minutes, the commanding fire officer noted a small fire on the exterior of the detached garage. Firefighters successfully extinguished the fire in about five minutes and confirmed there to be no occupants or pets inside. There were no injuries to fire or civilian personnel as a result of this incident. 

A fire investigator has confirmed this fire to be incendiary with damage estimated at $5,000. Members of the public are reminded that non-emergent suspicious activity can be reported by calling 306-975-8300. In an emergency, call 911 immediately. 

At approximately 2:52 p.m. on July 19, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received internal radio communication from the Saskatoon Police Service alerting to a person in distress on the University Bridge. One fire engine, two water rescue units, one battalion chief, and one public affairs official were committed to this incident. 

Both water rescue units were deployed onto the South Saskatchewan River from an emergency boat launch and positioned in the area of the University Bridge. Members of the Saskatoon Police Service were observed to be communicating with an adult male when he entered the water; a firefighter trained in surface water rescue immediately initiated a rescue, securing the individual and bringing him into the boat. The adult male was transported to hospital by ground ambulance for what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.

Firefighters have since removed the water rescue units from the South Saskatchewan River and returned to their stations to continue serving the residents and visitors of Saskatoon. 

At approximately 3:10 a.m. on July 19, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a lot of smoke coming from the back of a property in the 300 block of Avenue U South. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Arriving on scene in about three minutes, firefighters located a residential structure with smoke and flames visible from the exterior. Fire crews softened the fire from the exterior before making entry, fully extinguishing the fire by about 3:37 a.m. prior to initiating ventilation. Searches of the structure confirmed there to be no occupants, pets, or further extension of the fire. 

A fire investigator has confirmed this fire to be incendiary with damage estimated at around $100,000. The Fire Prevention and Investigation section of the Saskatoon Fire Department will be following up on this property; an update on its status will be issued when information becomes available.

At approximately 11:29 p.m. on July 18, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a significant amount of smoke exiting a residential structure in the 400 block of 3rd Avenue North. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Firefighters arrived on scene in less than three minutes to find visible flames inside the structure. Initiating an immediate attack on the fire, the flames were brought under control within about one hour from the time of the first fire engine arriving on scene. Fire crews shut down the utilities to the structure as fire dispatchers notified the appropriate utility technicians for response. Searches of the structure confirmed there to be no occupants or pets inside at the time of the fire. Firefighters ventilated the structure of remaining smoke and carbon monoxide before clearing the scene at about 1:00 a.m. on July 19, 2020 and returning to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon. 

A fire investigator has evaluated the cause and origin, determining this fire to be incendiary with an approximate damage estimate of $250,000. The fire investigator has credited fire crews for their prompt response and action in preventing this fire from extending further.

At approximately 11:51 p.m. on July 16, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a boarded-up property in the 1600 block of Avenue C North to be fully involved in flames. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response; one public affairs official was also immediately notified.

Firefighters arrived on scene in about two minutes to find visible smoke and flames exiting from a perviously delinquent property. Fire crews connected to a nearby hydrant and initiated an immediate fire attack at the back of the property. In less than 20 minutes, firefighters brought the flames under control and had begun overhaul efforts to search for possible extension of the fire; finding none, the property was confirmed vacant and turned over to a fire investigator. 

This fire is presenting as suspicious and a fire investigator is working to confirm a cause. As this property remains under an active demolition order with previous fire damage, a damage estimate resulting from this fire will not be available.