Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Saskatoon News Releases
Structure fire - 100 Block of Brainerd Crescent
November 8, 2023 - 2:46 pm
At 1:52 p.m. on November 8, 2023, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a report of an attached garage on fire in the 100 block of Brainerd Crescent. Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched. First arriving fire crews reported smoke showing from an attached garage of a single family dwelling unit. All incoming fire crews were assigned their tactical duties. The Fire Investigator was requested to attend. At 2:14 p.m., the main portion of the fire was knocked down with an under control being declared at 2:17 p.m. Fire crews searched the entire home and found the fire to be contained to the garage.
No one was home at the time of fire. No injuries to civilians or firefighters occurred as a result of this fire.
More information will be provided after the SFD Fire Investigator conducts a cause and origin, scene examination.
Motor vehicle hits building at 25th Street & 3rd Avenue
November 7, 2023 - 4:39 pm
At 2:48 p.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department received notification of a vehicle leaving the road and striking a building at 25th Street and 3rd Avenue on November 7, 2023. Dispatched to the scene were one fire engine and one rescue unit. Fire crews arrived at 2:51 p.m. and identified a vehicle that had struck a building's balcony. Primary focus was on patient care. A male was attended to by the Saskatoon Fire Department paramedics whose care was transferred to the ambulance company. He was transported with unknown injuries.
Fire crews ensured the building was stable. A tow truck pulled the vehicle away from the building and assisted with pulling the damaged balcony from the building. A construction crew conducting interior renovations was on site and will be conducting immediate repairs to the balcony.
No other injuries were sustained as a result of this collision.
The Saskatoon Fire Department wants to thank motorists and pedestrians for their patience while they conducted their work.
Saskatoon Fire Department hosts its first live-fire training at new facility
November 3, 2023 - 1:30 pm
The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) officially hosted its first training course this week at the new regional training facility located in Corman Park on Range Road 3053.
From October 31 to November 3, 2023, future Fire Service Instructors from SFD, Warman Fire Rescue and Martensville Fire Department participated in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1403 Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions course. This course provides participants with the credentials needed to conduct live fire training. The program focuses on recognizing the evolving state of a fire and understanding the water application techniques needed to ensure firefighter safety while successfully controlling the environment and extinguishing the fire.
The NFPA 1403 course is taught by four SFD Fire Service Instructors who were sent to Alberta and Manitoba to obtain their credentials in 2022. SFD’s Staff Development & Safety team has plans to have all firefighters complete the live-fire training under the newly certified Fire Service Instructors by the end of 2024.
“This is the first time in over a decade that SFD has been able to conduct this type of realistic and repeatable hands-on experience for our Fire Service Instructors after decommissioning the training building that was located at Station No. 1,” says Anthony Tataryn, SFD Assistant Fire Chief. “We’re very fortunate to have our staff complete training here at home and we’re pleased that Martensville and Warman’s fire services could join in this training opportunity.”
“Working with the Fire Service Instructor trainers from SFD this week has been great. The opportunity to learn the props and how the accompanying skills are designed to be taught will help all of our instructors duplicate a high level of training and safety for our firefighters,” says Fire Chief Russ Austin, Warman Fire Rescue.
Deputy Chief Dean Brooman of the Martensville Fire Department adds, “Martensville Fire Department appreciates the opportunity to train on NFPA 1403 Live Fire Training with Saskatoon Fire Department and Warman Fire Department. The joint use training facility will allow us to learn from each other and take back this knowledge to the members of our department. We look forward to future training at this facility and the exciting things to come out of our partnership.”
Phase one of the Regional Training Facility was completed in the fall of 2023 and included land servicing and relocation of existing structures. Development of the training site and its stormwater management includes a number of natural infrastructure components that are being funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Natural Infrastructure Fund. Further phases will follow based on engagement with partners and stakeholders.
For more information about the regional training facility, visit saskatoon.ca/regional-training-facility.
Fall Prevention Month: Raising awareness, reducing risk
November 1, 2023 - 10:00 am
During the month of November, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) will be focused on raising awareness about fall prevention and fall-related injuries in older adults in recognition of Fall Prevention Month.
In Canada, individuals aged 85 and older are three times more likely to die in a fire. Each year, older adults account for approximately one-third of fire-related deaths, despite comprising only 14% of the population. The statistics related to falls are equally concerning. Falls are the most common injury among older Canadians and over one-third of older adults who experience a fall and then require hospitalization are placed in long-term care.
As Canada’s aging population continues to grow and more older adults are living independently, the need for fall prevention education becomes increasingly urgent. To combat these rising numbers, SFD works with residents, volunteers and community partners to reinforce fire and fall prevention messaging amongst older adults. Formerly titled, Remembering When™, the updated Steps to Safety™ program delivers a professional training curriculum to support learning and behaviour change. The program is centred around 16 key safety messages – eight fire prevention and eight fall prevention. The goal of the program is to help older adults eliminate fire and fall hazards in their environment so that they can stay in their homes as long as they would like.
In 2022, SFD responded to 1,495 lift assist requests, which is a 16% increase from 2021. As of October 1, 2023, SFD has responded to 1,291 lift requests.
"SFD’s firefighter-paramedics provide lift assists to people who fall and are unable to get up," says Assistant Chief Yvonne Raymer. "By connecting with older adults and helping them identify risks within their own homes, we're mitigating potential falls and helping our older population live more healthy and independent lives."
SFD also includes online training for Personal Care Home staff. The training encompasses seven modules, each followed by a quiz. The goal of the training is to help Continuing Care Aids understand what actions they can take or actions they can encourage their residents to take so that fires and falls can be prevented. The training is available at saskatoon.ca/ststraining.
More recently, SFD expanded its fall prevention efforts to also include online education for family caregivers. The information is broken down into six tips to prevent fires and seven tips to prevent falls. Each tip is represented by a short video and an informational PDF. The tips include small changes that can be implemented to keep the family member safer in their environment. The caregiver education is available at saskatoon.ca/stscaregivers.
Raymer adds, "Our Community Relations team is very excited to introduce these new learning opportunities to Personal Care Home staff and family caregivers. Our goal is to educate as many people as possible so they can use the information to enhance the lives of their residents or family members and ultimately lower the number of lift assists required by SFD."
To book a Steps to Safety group presentation or home visit, call 306-975-7715. For more information about the Steps to Safety program and fall prevention tips, visit saskatoon.ca/stepstosafety.
Update structure fire - 200 Block of Avenue L South
October 31, 2023 - 10:24 am
Update on status of structure fire in the 200 block of Avenue L South. The fire crews and fire investigator confirmed there were no occupants in the home at the time of the fire. To fully extinguish the fire, an excavator was requested to pull the structure apart. This will allow fire crews to fully extinguish the fire. The fire investigator will not be able to conduct a fire investigation due to the extent of damage and for safety reasons.
Damage is estimated at: $200,000.
If anyone has information related to this fire, please report to the Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300.
Fire Investigation - 100 Block of Palliser Court
October 31, 2023 - 9:23 am
On October 30, 2023, at 2:29 p.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department responded to a fire in an attached garage of a single family dwelling unit in the 100 Block of Palliser Court. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one ladder truck and the Battalion Chief were dispatched. First arriving fire crews began extinguishing the fire preventing it from entering the living portion of the structure. All incoming fire crews provided tactical support. A Fire Investigator attended. Occupants had evacuated safely.
No persons or firefighters were injured as a result of this fire.
Fire Investigation has concluded. Cause of the fire is undetermined, originating in the interior of the garage resulting in $15,000 damage.
Structure Fire - 200 Block of Avenue L South
October 31, 2023 - 8:12 am
At 5:30 a.m. on October 31, 2023, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call reporting a structure on fire in the 200 Block of Avenue L South. Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched. Fire crews reported heavy smoke in the air prior to approaching the structure. First arriving crew reported heavy flames showing from a house. All incoming fire crews were assigned their tactical duties.
At 5:40 a.m., fire crews positioned themselves to protect neighboring structures while extinguishing the structure from the exterior. It is unknown if occupants were inside the structure or not. The Fire Investigator was notified to respond at 5:44 a.m. Utilities were turned off for scene safety.
Fire crews are still actively extinguishing the fire at 8:00 a.m. An update will be provided as soon as practical. The SFD respectfully requests that motorists and pedestrians avoid the area to provide a safe space for firefighters and civilians.
Commercial fire - 200 block 2nd Avenue South
October 13, 2023 - 1:00 pm
At 9:57 a.m. on October 13, 2023, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) Communications Center received a report of a fire on the roof of a building in the 200 Block of 2nd Avenue South. SFD dispatched three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief. First responding apparatus reported seeing light smoke coming from the structure. Fire crews reported flames showing on the roof of the building. All incoming fire crews were assigned tactical duties. Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) were requested for traffic control to maintain scene safety.
Fire crews extinguished a small fire on the roof of the structure. SPS closed 2nd Avenue South at 10:13 to facilitate the quick extinguishment, Incident Command gave the order to reopen the street at 10:24. Our SFD Fire Investigator was requested to attend.
The Fire Investigator requested a Police Arson Investigator to attend as the fire is deemed suspicious. Damage has been estimated at $10,000. No persons or firefighters were injured because of this fire. The scene has been turned over to the Saskatoon Police Service.
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Residential structure fire - 100 block LeMay Crescent
October 6, 2023 - 4:30 pm
On October 6, 2023 at 12:06 p.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 9-1-1 call for a structure fire in the 100 Block of LeMay Crescent. Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief responded. First arriving fire crews reported heavy smoke showing on arrival. All incoming fire crews were assigned their tactical duties. An aggressive interior attack was ordered and the fire was knocked down by 12:15 p.m.
Fire crews searched for extension of the fire and ventilated the smoke and carbon monoxide from the structure. A Fire Investigator was requested to attend to determine the cause and origin of the fire. The Fire Investigator has determined that the fire started by a malfunctioning home appliance and originated in the laundry room. Damage is estimated at $50,000.
No injuries occurred as a result of this fire.
Saskatoon Fire Department celebrates Fire Prevention Week October 8-14
October 6, 2023 - 9:00 am
- Watch what you heat. Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
- Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
- Have a “kid- and pet-free zone” of at least one meter (three feet) around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
- Wear tight-fitted clothing or roll up your sleeves when using the stove. Loose, dangling clothing can easily catch fire.
The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire preventionTM.” The campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take when cooking to keep themselves and those around them safe.
“The most important ingredient in the kitchen is fire safety,” says Yvonne Raymer, Assistant Chief. “A cooking fire can grow quickly and unexpectedly. It’s important to use caution when cooking and to be watchful around heat and open flame. Making a few small changes in the kitchen can make a big difference in protecting you and your family.”
SFD would like to remind residents of a few key safety tips to help reduce the risk of a cooking fire:
In addition to making sure everyone knows about kitchen safety, every household should have working smoke alarms. Residents are encouraged to check smoke alarm batteries monthly and have the batteries replaced yearly or when an alarm is chirping.
To learn more about cooking safety and other fire safety tips, visit saskatoon.ca/firesafety.
For general information about Fire Prevention Week and other fire prevention resources, visit nfpa.org/fpw.