Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Saskatoon News Releases
Commercial Structure Fire - 2nd Alarm - 200 block of Avenue I South
September 13, 2020 - 11:09 pm
At approximately 6:27 p.m. on September 13, 2020, a fire engine responding to a residential fire signal on Avenue K South observed a significant amount of black smoke in the area; further exploration located a commercial structure on fire in the 200 block of Avenue I South. Seven fire engines, one rescue unit, two aerial ladder trucks, three fire investigation units, one public affairs official, one battalion chief, and one assistant chief have been committed to this incident at the time of release.
Firefighters first began softening the fire from the exterior with the intention of continuing extinguishment from the interior of the structure; upon escalation of the fire, the commanding battalion chief directed all fire crews to exit the structure and conduct defensive aerial and ground-level fire attack strategies. The structural integrity has been severely compromised resulting in a partial collapse. Arcing power lines, nearby electrical boxes, and on-site propane tanks have presented safety hazards on scene; the assistant chief serving as safety officer has closely monitored fire ground activities. Multiple utilities have been affected as a result of this fire; crews from the City of Saskatoon have attended the scene and are assisting the Saskatoon Fire Department as required. The Saskatoon Police Service has restricted traffic flow through the area and will issue a release upon these restrictions being lifted.
Firefighters remain on scene extinguishing hot spots and performing overhaul duties. Fire and police investigators will be conducting a thorough scene examination to identify a cause, origin, and damage estimate, as well as collect necessary evidence relative to this incident.
An update will be provided upon new information becoming known.
Emergency Room Fire - Jim Pattison Children's Hospital - 103 Hospital Drive
September 13, 2020 - 11:09 am
At approximately 2:01 a.m. on September 13, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received notification from an alarm monitoring company of a commercial fire signal activation at the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital, located at 103 Hospital Drive. Immediately following notification of the fire signal, fire dispatchers received communication from the hospital confirming a fire in the emergency room. Four fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched to the scene.
Prior to the arrival of fire crews, hospital staff began evacuating nearby patients to other areas of the hospital and terminated the oxygen supply in the affected area. Upon arrival, firefighters learned that hospital security had partially extinguished the fire using an on-site fire extinguisher. Fire crews completed extinguishment using additional fire extinguishers while simultaneously searching for possible areas of extension. Ventilation of remaining smoke and toxins was conducted using the building's HVAC system.
A fire investigator has confirmed this fire to be accidental as a result of smoking; an adult male patient received severe burns to approximately 25% of his upper body after attempting to smoke while receiving oxygen. It is understood that a small explosion occurred, igniting the fire and causing about $1,000 in damage to the hospital.
Structure Fire - 300 block of Bowman Crescent
September 13, 2020 - 10:02 am
At around 4:28 p.m. on September 12, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a shed and garage on fire in the 300 block of Bowman Crescent. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response.
Firefighters observed thick black smoke in the area while responding to the scene. Arriving in less than four minutes, a fully involved residential garage was located; a small shed, section of fence, and a tree were also found to be on fire. Fire crews initiated an immediate attack, bringing the fire under control by about 4:45 p.m.. Searches of the fire scene confirmed there to be no occupants or pets; no injuries occurred as a result.
A fire investigator has identified the fire to be accidental as a result of the improper disposal of ashes from an outdoor fire pit. Damage has been estimated at approximately $50,000.
UPDATE: Multi-Unit Structure Fire - 2000 block of 20th Street West
September 12, 2020 - 5:20 pm
The on-scene investigation into a fire that occurred at a multi-unit apartment building in the 2000 block of 20th Street West on September 11, 2020 has concluded. A fire investigator has identified the fire to be incendiary with damage estimated at approximately $200,000.
Members of the public are reminded to report non-emergent suspicious activity to the Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300; in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
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At approximately 8:58 p.m. on September 11, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a possible structure fire in a multi-unit apartment building on the 2000 block of 20th Street West. The response included four fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief. It was reported that multiple persons remained inside.
Arriving on scene in three minutes, firefighters immediately observed an occupant requiring rescue from a third level window; ground ladders were positioned to assist this person to safety. Most other occupants were confirmed to have self-evacuated from the burning building. Simultaneously additional fire crews entered the building, locating and performing a quick attack on flames enveloping a common stairwell; the commanding fire officer considered the fire to be under control within about 30 minutes from the time of fire dispatchers receiving the first 911 call. While conducting thorough searches of the building, two occupants were located and evacuated by firefighters from a below-grade unit. Fire crews forced entry into multiple areas of the building to confirm no other occupants or pets remained inside. No injuries to civilian or fire personnel occurred as a result of this incident. Overhaul and ventilation efforts were performed prior to a fire investigator taking command of the scene.
Due to extensive fire damage, the building has been closed and secured by the Saskatoon Fire Department. Firefighters re-entered the building to retrieve salvageable personal items, including medications and keys, for displaced occupants. The district fire inspector will work with the property owner to ensure compliance through remediation efforts. Of the 11 occupied units in the building, the Saskatoon Fire Department can confirm six occupants from four units were assisted by the Canadian Red Cross in Saskatchewan.
A fire investigator is in the process of conducting a scene examination to identify a cause, origin, and damage estimate. An update will be provided upon conclusion of the investigative findings.
Multi-Unit Structure Fire - 2000 block of 20th Street West
September 12, 2020 - 9:53 am
At approximately 8:58 p.m. on September 11, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a possible structure fire in a multi-unit apartment building on the 2000 block of 20th Street West. The response included four fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief. It was reported that multiple persons remained inside.
Arriving on scene in three minutes, firefighters immediately observed an occupant requiring rescue from a third level window; ground ladders were positioned to assist this person to safety. Most other occupants were confirmed to have self-evacuated from the burning building. Simultaneously additional fire crews entered the building, locating and performing a quick attack on flames enveloping a common stairwell; the commanding fire officer considered the fire to be under control within about 30 minutes from the time of fire dispatchers receiving the first 911 call. While conducting thorough searches of the building, two occupants were located and evacuated by firefighters from a below-grade unit. Fire crews forced entry into multiple areas of the building to confirm no other occupants or pets remained inside. No injuries to civilian or fire personnel occurred as a result of this incident. Overhaul and ventilation efforts were performed prior to a fire investigator taking command of the scene.
Due to extensive fire damage, the building has been closed and secured by the Saskatoon Fire Department. Firefighters re-entered the building to retrieve salvageable personal items, including medications and keys, for displaced occupants. The district fire inspector will work with the property owner to ensure compliance through remediation efforts. Of the 11 occupied units in the building, the Saskatoon Fire Department can confirm six occupants from four units were assisted by the Canadian Red Cross in Saskatchewan.
A fire investigator is in the process of conducting a scene examination to identify a cause, origin, and damage estimate. An update will be provided upon conclusion of the investigative findings.
Firefighters’ National Memorial Day
September 11, 2020 - 1:32 pm
On August 25, 2017, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced the formal establishment of a Firefighters’ National Memorial Day in recognition of the dangers firefighters often face and the ultimate sacrifice of those who have given their lives in the line of duty.
Each year, the second Sunday in September is designated in memory of firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty; this year, September 13, 2020 will mark this day. Recognition of this day is warmly received by families across Canada who have lost loved ones through the courageous and selfless fulfillment of their duties.
The Saskatoon Fire Department will observe a moment of silence at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2020; firefighters will be at attention on the ramps of their stations, flags to half-mast, in honour of this day.
Motor Vehicle Collision - Entrapment - Millar Avenue and 43rd Street East
September 10, 2020 - 10:07 am
At approximately 8:23 a.m. on September 10, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department along with the Saskatoon Police Service responded to reports of a motor vehicle collision on Millar Avenue near 43rd Street East; it was reported that one occupant remained trapped inside one of the two vehicles involved. Two fire engines, one rescue unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response.
Arriving in about three minutes, firefighters accessed the collision scene and made contact with the occupant that remained trapped in their vehicle; they were observed to be uninjured but otherwise unable to exit the vehicle. In less than 10 minutes from the time of the first fire engine arriving on scene, fire crews had stabilized the vehicle and competed the extrication process. There were no injuries to any of the involved parties or fire department personnel as a result of this incident.
Firefighters have since cleared the scene and returned to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon and area.
UPDATE: Structure Fire - 1800 block of 20th Street West
September 9, 2020 - 10:44 am
A fire investigator has concluded on scene of a structure fire that occurred early this morning, September 9, 2020, in the 1800 block of 20th Street West; this fire was identified as incendiary with damage estimated at about $25,000.
The Saskatoon Fire Department reminds members of the public to report non-emergent suspicious activity to the Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300; in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
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At approximately 1:44 a.m. on September 9, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a residential structure on 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 for response.
Firefighters arrived on scene in about four minutes to find a boarded-up residential structure with flames visible from the front. Immediately deploying hose lines, fire crews initiated an exterior attack on the fire prior to making entry to continue extinguishment from the interior; the fire was brought under control within 10 minutes from the time of the first fire engine arriving on scene. Fire dispatchers notified the appropriate utility technicians to attend the scene as utilities servicing the structure were required to be shut down. A thermal imaging camera was used to conduct searches of the structure where it was confirmed that no occupants or pets were inside and no further extension of the fire occurred; there were also no injuries as a result.
Upon completing ventilation of the structure, firefighters left the scene with fire and police investigators to begin an examination and gather evidence.
UPDATE: Structure Fire - 200 block of 33rd Street West
September 9, 2020 - 10:37 am
The fire investigator has concluded on scene, identifying this fire to be incendiary with damage estimated at approximately $50,000.
The fire investigator credits responding firefighters for their prompt action and instinctive training in quickly containing a challenging fire situation; the investigation into this incident revealed hoarding-like conditions inside the structure, impacting access, safety, and extinguishment strategies on scene.
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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.
Structure Fire - 1800 block of 20th Street West
September 9, 2020 - 9:42 am
At approximately 1:44 a.m. on September 9, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a residential structure on 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 for response.
Firefighters arrived on scene in about four minutes to find a boarded-up residential structure with flames visible from the front. Immediately deploying hose lines, fire crews initiated an exterior attack on the fire prior to making entry to continue extinguishment from the interior; the fire was brought under control within 10 minutes from the time of the first fire engine arriving on scene. Fire dispatchers notified the appropriate utility technicians to attend the scene as utilities servicing the structure were required to be shut down. A thermal imaging camera was used to conduct searches of the structure where it was confirmed that no occupants or pets were inside and no further extension of the fire occurred; there were also no injuries as a result.
Upon completing ventilation of the structure, firefighters left the scene with fire and police investigators to begin an examination and gather evidence.