Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Saskatoon News Releases
Motor Vehicle Collision - 23rd Street West and Avenue Q North
June 18, 2020 - 8:02 pm
At approximately 6:56 p.m. on June 18, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of 23rd Street West and Avenue Q North with the possibility of entrapment. One fire engine, one rescue unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response.
Firefighters arrived on scene to find a two vehicle collision involving a Honda minivan and a Ford SUV; the SUV had overturned as a result of the impact. Fire crews stabilized both vehicles and confirmed there to be no entrapment. To ensure environmental protection, firefighters controlled and contained fluids that were leaking from the vehicles. One female patient was assessed by firefighter-paramedics before being transported to hospital by ambulance; her injuries are believed to be minor. The Saskatoon Police Service was on scene to take statements and facilitate traffic flow through the area.
Fire crews remained on scene until the damaged vehicles were removed and a complete fluid and debris clean-up could be conducted.
Structural Collapse - Urban Search/Rescue - Louise Avenue and East Place
June 17, 2020 - 2:01 pm
At approximately 11:41 a.m. on June 17, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a structural collapse at the corner of Louise Avenue and East Place. Two fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, and one battalion chief responded.
Upon arrival, a large structure that had been in the early stages of construction was observed to have partially collapsed. The site was believed to be vacant of contractors at the time; however, a technical rescue team deployed onto the area to conduct an urban search and rescue of the compromised structure. Confirmation was made at approximately 12:02 p.m. that the site was completely vacant at the time of collapse. No injuries were sustained as a result of the collapse or subsequent search.
Upon conclusion of their work, fire crews released the scene to a site manager and returned to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon.
Person at Risk - Fire/Civilian Injuries - Circle Drive West at Idylwyld Drive North
June 16, 2020 - 11:07 pm
At approximately 8:13 p.m. on June 16, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call from an off-duty fire inspector reporting a person at risk on the Circle Drive West overpass that crosses Idylwyld Drive North. One fire engine, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response.
Upon arrival, fire crews observed an individual on the outside of the security fencing expressing an intent to harm themselves; multiple police officers were on scene engaging the individual towards a peaceful resolution. As firefighters cut the security fencing to provide access and began positioning an aerial ladder truck to assist in rescue, the person advanced from the edge of the overpass; the battalion chief made an immediate decision to force his arm through the cut fencing, grabbing the individual and preventing them from continuing over the edge. Police assisted in holding this position with the battalion chief until the aerial ladder truck was able to successfully rescue the individual.
The battalion chief was medically assessed and treated by firefighter-paramedics before continuing to hospital for further evaluation; his injuries are believed to be minor and are primarily related to cuts received from the fencing. The individual that was rescued was transferred to the Saskatoon Police Service and subsequently transported to hospital by ambulance as a precaution.
Firefighters have concluded on scene and returned to their stations to continue proudly serving Saskatoon.
Hydrocarbon Disposal Fire - 100 block of Cory Road, Corman Park
June 14, 2020 - 4:19 pm
At approximately 2:55 p.m. on June 14, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting what was believed to be a pile of garbage on fire at GFL Environmental, located on the 100 block of Cory Road in the rural municipality of Corman Park. One fire engine, one water tanker, one brush truck, and one battalion chief were committed to this incident.
Upon arrival, fire crews were met by staff members on site and confirmed a fire to be burning in a hydrocarbon disposal area. Firefighters connected to an on-site hydrant in addition to using on-board water supplies to begin suppression of the fire. The commanding fire officer confirmed a loss stopped at approximately 3:56 p.m. It was not immediately known what might've caused the material used to absorb hydrocarbons to ignite; as this area is outside of the Saskatoon Fire Department's investigative jurisdiction, a cause and origin determination will not be provided. There was no elevated concern relative to hazardous materials as a result of this incident and no injuries to fire or civilian personnel were reported.
Fire crews have concluded their duties and released the scene to employees of the company.
Structure Fire - 300 block of Avenue Q South
June 14, 2020 - 3:26 pm
At approximately 1:52 p.m. on June 14, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a possible structure fire in the 300 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.
The first fire engine arrived on scene in less than four minutes to find a boarded-up residential structure with flames visible from the exterior. All utilities to the structure had previously been terminated. Firefighters immediately initiated a defensive fire attack on the structure of origin while successfully protecting a neighbouring property from extension of the fire. Information received from a bystander on scene indicated the strong possibility of an occupant inside. With this new information, firefighters made entry to begin a search for the occupant; searches of the interior produced negative results and vacancy of the structure was confirmed. The fire was quickly contained and brought under control shortly thereafter. Ventilation was conducted to clear the area of remaining smoke and toxins. There were no inuries to fire or civilian personnel as a result of this incident.
Firefighters concluded on scene and have since returned to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon. A fire investigator remains on scene working to identify a cause and assess the damage.
UPDATE: Structure Fire - 900 block of 2nd Street East
June 10, 2020 - 10:20 pm
A fire investigator has concluded at the scene of a structure fire that occurred earlier this evening, June 10, 2020, in the 900 block of 2nd Street East. This fire has been identified as accidental with damage estimated at approximately $10,000. An exact cause will not be available.
The Fire Prevention and Investigation section of the Saskatoon Fire Department is reminding members of the public to test their smoke alarms monthly, change the batteries annually or when the alarm begins to chirp, and replace the entire alarm every 10 years if not sooner.
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At approximately 6:53 p.m. on June 10, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a possible structure fire in the 900 block of 2nd Street East. 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 about four minutes to find a residential bungalow with no signs of smoke or fire visible from the exterior. Two occupants were confirmed to have self-evacuated prior to the arrival of fire crews. Firefighters made immediate entry to the structure, locating and extinguishing the fire in less than 10 minutes from the time of fire dispatchers first being notified of the incident. Searches of the structure were conducted, confirming there to be no further extension of the fire and no remaining occupants; one large dog was safely located in the backyard. Fire crews ventilated the structure to clear it of remaining smoke and carbon monoxide.
There were no injuries to fire or civilian personnel as a result of this incident. Firefighters have concluded on scene and returned to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon. A fire investigator is working to confirm a cause and assess the damage.
Structure Fire - 900 block of 2nd Street East
June 10, 2020 - 8:43 pm
At approximately 6:53 p.m. on June 10, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a possible structure fire in the 900 block of 2nd Street East. 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 about four minutes to find a residential bungalow with no signs of smoke or fire visible from the exterior. Two occupants were confirmed to have self-evacuated prior to the arrival of fire crews. Firefighters made immediate entry to the structure, locating and extinguishing the fire in less than 10 minutes from the time of fire dispatchers first being notified of the incident. Searches of the structure were conducted, confirming there to be no further extension of the fire and no remaining occupants; one large dog was safely located in the backyard. Fire crews ventilated the structure to clear it of remaining smoke and carbon monoxide.
There were no injuries to fire or civilian personnel as a result of this incident. Firefighters have concluded on scene and returned to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon. A fire investigator is working to confirm a cause and assess the damage.
Structure Fire - 2400 block of Cairns Avenue
June 10, 2020 - 10:28 am
At approximately 6:14 p.m. on June 9, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call alerting to a detached garage on fire in the 2400 block of Cairns Avenue. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response.
While en-route, the first responding fire engine encountered an adult male in the road attempting to impede response to the fire; the operator engaged the air horn and successfully navigated the fire engine around the individual. Arriving on scene in less than three minutes, the commanding fire officer noted visible smoke and flame exiting the garage; a bystander equipped with a garden hose was attempting to extinguish the fire. Firefighters initiated an immediate attack using a mixture of water and foam, bringing the flames under control in less than 20 minutes from the time of notification. Fire crews used a thermal imaging camera to check for possible extension and began overhaul efforts on the structure. While on scene, a nearby home owner informed firefighters that his household recycling bin had also been set on fire and that he'd put it out using a fire extinguisher.
A fire investigator has identified the fire to be incendiary with damage estimated at approximately $10,000. The Saskatoon Police Service attended the scene to take witness statements and continue an investigation; a successful arrest was made in relation to this incident the same evening.
Members of the public are reminded to report non-emergent suspicious activity by calling 306-975-8300. In an emergency, call 911 immediately.
Shoreline Medical Rescue - Presidents Place
June 10, 2020 - 9:13 am
At approximately 7:42 a.m. on June 10, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department was alerted to a middle aged male patient that had fallen off of his bicycle and down the river embankment to the shoreline behind Presidents Place. One fire engine was dispatched for response.
Upon arrival and evaluation of the rescue required, the commanding fire officer identified the need for additional resources; one water rescue unit was deployed onto the South Saskatchewan River and responded to the area. The patient was located, medically assessed, treated, and transported by water to an area beneath the Broadway Bridge where an ambulance was waiting to continue transport by land to hospital; the patient's injuries are believed to be minor.
Fire crews have concluded on scene and returned to their stations to continue proudly serving Saskatoon.
UPDATE: Structure Fire - 300 block of Johnson Crescent
June 8, 2020 - 11:53 am
The Saskatoon Fire Department has concluded the investigation into a significant structure fire that occurred in the 300 block of Johnson Crescent on June 6, 2020. A fire investigator has confirmed the fire to have resulted from an unattended open-air fire pit. The fire, originating in an illegal container without a screen, quickly spread to a nearby garage before extending to the rear and roof of the house.
The Community Relations section of the Saskatoon Fire Department will be conducting an After The Fire follow-up in the immediate area surrounding the fire scene. Informational packages will be delivered to over 100 residences in the Pacific Heights neighbourhood.
This fire was preventable; members of the public are reminded to burn responsibly, respectfully, and safely when choosing to have an open-air fire. Information on open-air fire pits can be found by visiting saskatoon.ca/firepits.
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At approximately 1:11 a.m. on June 6, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a structure on fire in the 300 block of Johnson Crescent. 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 a fully involved detached garage with the fire extending towards the rear of the house. Power lines in the area were confirmed to have fallen; fire dispatchers contacted the appropriate utility providers to attend the scene. Fire crews connected to nearby hydrants and began an immediate defensive fire attack. Firefighters protected surrounding exposures, battling high heat conditions and a compromised structural integrity before bringing the fire under control at around 3:00 a.m.; hot spots were extinguished into the early hours of the morning.
Two occupants who had been unaccounted for, one male and one female, were confirmed to have not been home at the time of the fire. While conducting searches of the structure, two deceased dogs were located and removed by fire crews. Firefighters conducted overhaul and checked carbon monoxide levels at surrounding properties before concluding on scene and returning to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon.
This fire remains under investigation; the house and detached garage are considered to be a total loss at an approximate value of $400,000. An update will be provided upon a cause and origin confirmation.