Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Saskatoon News Releases
Structure Fires - 2000 block of Kensington Road
May 24, 2020 - 4:27 pm
At approximately 2:23 p.m. on May 24, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls with reports varying from smoke in the area to multiple residential structures on fire. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for immediate response.
Prior to the arrival of fire crews, bystanders were reported to be successfully extinguishing the fire. Upon arrival, a mostly extinguished fire that had caused notable damage to two residential structures was observed. All occupants had safely self-evacuated and no injuries were sustained. Firefighters verified that the fire had not extended further into either structure before establishing ventilation to clear smoke from the interior of one of the structures involved.
The fire is currently under investigation; a damage estimate is not yet available.
Two Alarm Fire - Multiple Residential Structures Involved - 100 block of East Hampton Boulevard
May 23, 2020 - 9:07 pm
At approximately 6:11 p.m. on May 23, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a fire in the 100 block of East Hampton Boulevard. Nine fire engines, one rescue unit, two aerial ladder trucks, and one fire investigation unit have been committed to this incident. In addition, all support officials with the Saskatoon Fire Department were notified, some of whom also responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, the commanding fire officer noted two residential structures fully and heavily involved in fire. Defensive aerial and ground-level attacks were immediately initiated as firefighters communicated with home owners to ensure all occupants had safely self-evacuated. Utilities to all involved structures were terminated and utility technicians were contacted to attend the fire scene. The fire was brought under control in less than one hour from the time of fire dispatchers being notified of the incident. No injuries were sustained to fire or civilian personnel as a result of this fire.
A fire investigator is interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, and analyzing fire science as the scene is processed. Preliminary information has indicated damage to be approximately $1,000,000; this estimate is subject to change as the fire investigation continues. An update will be provided as new information becomes known.
Structure Fire - 1900 block of 22nd Street West
May 23, 2020 - 2:59 pm
At approximately 12:45 p.m. on May 23, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call alerting to a possible fire at a boarded-up and vacant residential structure in the 1900 block of 22nd Street West. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response.
Upon arrival, fire crews located a small fire burning at the rear of the structure; it was brought under control within minutes of arriving on scene. Firefighters forced entry to the structure to confirm vacancy and search for extension; finding no occupants or extension, fire crews cleared the scene and returned to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon.
Minimal damage occurred as a result of this fire; however, previous fire damage to the structure has left the property uninhabitable. The fire is presenting as suspicious and a fire investigator is working to confirm a cause.
Shed Fire - 100 block of Avenue S South
May 23, 2020 - 2:07 pm
On May 23, 2020, at approximately 3:53 a.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call alerting to a possible fire in the area of 22nd Street West; internal radio communication with the Saskatoon Police Service confirmed the fire to be in the 100 block of Avenue S South. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief responded.
Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed a shed to be fully involved in fire with extension to a nearby tree; the fire was brought under control in about five minutes from the time of the first fire engine arriving on scene. There were no injuries reported and a fire investigation has been initiated to identify a cause of origin and damage estimate.
Structure Fire - Occupant Removed - 300 block of Avenue S South
May 23, 2020 - 1:47 pm
At approximately 6:46 a.m. on May 23, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call from a passerby reporting a residential structure on fire in the 300 block of Avenue S 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 small fire burning on the exterior of the structure. Fire crews initiated an immediate attack on the fire and began to search for occupants and extension. The lone occupant, presenting as uncooperative and threatening, refused to vacate the structure; the Saskatoon Police Service was requested to force removal of the occupant, allowing firefighters to safely continue their work on the interior. Fire crews confirmed there to be no further extension of the fire and established ventilation to clear the structure of smoke and carbon monoxide. The fire was brought under control in less than 10 minutes from the time of arrival and nearby exposures were successfully protected by firefighters.
There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident. A fire investigator is working to identify a cause and assess the damage.
Residential Structure Fire - 400 block of Avenue V South
May 22, 2020 - 12:36 am
The Saskatoon Fire Department received a single 911 call at approximately 10:41 p.m. on May 21, 2020 reporting a possible structure fire in the 400 block of Avenue V South. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response.
Upon arrival of the first responding fire engine, a fire was confirmed to be burning on the main floor of a residential structure. Fire crews established connections to nearby hydrants and began a transitional attack on the fire to soften it from the exterior before making entry. The fire was brought under control in less than 30 minutes from the time of the first fire engine arriving on scene. Searches of the structure confirmed there to be no occupants or further extension of the fire. Ventilation was conducted using electric fans to clear the structure of remaining smoke and toxins. There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident.
Fire crews have concluded on scene and a fire investigator is working to identify a cause and damage estimate.
Semi-Trailer Unit Fire - 100 block of 71st Street West
May 21, 2020 - 11:15 pm
At approximately 9:54 p.m. on May 21, 2020, fire dispatchers received multiple 911 calls reporting a semi-trailer unit on fire near a large commercial structure. Four fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, and one battalion chief were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, fire crews confirmed a semi-trailer unit to be heavily involved in fire and began extinguishment; the fire was quickly brought under control and firefighters successfully protected the nearby commercial structure from extension of the fire. The structure was searched to ensure no occupants were present and property owners were contacted to attend the scene. No injuries occurred as a result of this fire.
Fire crews have since cleared the scene and were promptly re-deployed to continue serving citizens at incoming emergencies.
Garage Fire - 100 block of Avenue K South
May 21, 2020 - 11:00 pm
At approximately 9:39 p.m. on May 21, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received many 911 calls reporting a garage on fire in the 100 block of Avenue K South. 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 four minutes to find a boarded-up residential garage fully involved in fire. A connection to a nearby hydrant was made and fire crews immediately began flowing water and foam to extinguish the fire; it was brought under control within minutes of the first fire engine arriving on scene. Upon searching the garage, firefighters confirmed there to be no occupants or further extension of the fire. There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident.
A fire investigator is on scene working to identify a cause and assess the damage.
Structure Fire - Lightning Strike - Ashwood Estates, Corman Park
May 21, 2020 - 12:05 am
At approximately 10:39 p.m. on May 20, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a lightning strike to a residential structure on South Point Drive in the Ashwood Estates district of Corman Park; the caller advised of smoke exiting the roof and attic area of the structure. Two fire engines, one rescue unit, one water tanker, one brush truck, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response.
Upon arrival, a small fire was located in the attic and two occupants were confirmed to have self-evacuated to a safe location with their two dogs. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire using a manual pump-tank; a variety of tools were used in conducting overhaul efforts to ensure all affected insulation and charred building material was fully extinguished and safely removed from the structure.
Firefighters advised the occupants of resources to contact in the coming days and have since returned to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon and surrounding area. As this area falls outside of the Saskatoon Fire Department's investigative jurisdiction, a confirmed cause and damage estimate will not be provided. No injuries to fire or civilian personnel were reported as a result of this incident.
Structure Fire - 1600 block of Avenue C North
May 20, 2020 - 9:22 am
At approximately 8:01 a.m. on May 20, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a boarded-up residential property on fire in the 1600 block of Avenue C North. Four fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief have been committed to this incident.
Upon arrival, heavy smoke and flame conditions were observed. Firefighters immediately began connecting to nearby hydrants and evacuating neighbouring properties. Defensive ground-level and aerial attacks were initiated to gain control of the fire and protect surrounding exposures. All utilities supplying the property had previously been terminated. A partial collapse occurred minutes prior to the fire being brought under control at approximately 9:00 a.m. Firefighters remain on scene monitoring for flare-ups and performing overhaul efforts. The Saskatoon Police Service assisted in restricting traffic flow through the area for the duration of this incident.
A fire investigator is beginning to process the scene; an investigative update will be provided upon additional information becoming known.