Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Saskatoon News Releases
Structure Fire - 200 block of 33rd Street West
September 9, 2020 - 8:49 am
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.
Motor Vehicle Collision - Rollover / Entrapment - Circle Drive West and Clancy Drive
September 8, 2020 - 8:07 pm
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.
Outside Fire - Structure Involved - 200 block of Henick Crescent
September 8, 2020 - 7:44 pm
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.
Public Advisory: Labour Day 2020 Fireworks Guidelines
September 3, 2020 - 4:15 pm
- 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.
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:
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!
Structure Fire - 200 block of Avenue N South
September 2, 2020 - 11:45 am
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.
UPDATE: Structure Fire - 700 block of Weldon Avenue
August 28, 2020 - 7:00 pm
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.
Structure Fire - 700 block of Weldon Avenue
August 28, 2020 - 4:15 pm
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.
Residential Appliance Fire - 1800 block of 22nd Street West
August 27, 2020 - 3:58 pm
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.
Structure Fire - 100 block of 4th Avenue North
August 25, 2020 - 10:56 pm
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.
Water Rescue Response - Missing Child - Pike Lake, Saskatchewan
August 25, 2020 - 9:19 pm
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.