Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

Saskatoon Fire Department is responding to a reported house fire in the 100 block of Ave X South.  Smoke was reported from a house by a passing City of Saskatoon Transit supervisor resulting in the dispatch of 3 engine companies, a ladder company a rescue company and a battalion chief. 

First arriving officer observed heavy smoke coming from and house and order fire crews to investigate.  Fire crews are actively suppressing the fire and searching for any occupants.

No damage estimates of fire cause available at this time.

Today, 20 high school students will successfully graduate from the Firefighter Introduction Recruitment Experience (F.I.R.E.) Cadet Program. Each of these students has demonstrated responsibility, respect, teamwork, community involvement, pride, and leadership to get to this point.

The F.I.R.E. Cadet Program is supported by the Saskatoon Public Schools and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools and is part of the Career Education Program at Bedford Road Collegiate, Mount Royal Collegiate, Tommy Douglas Collegiate, E.D. Feehan Catholic High School, and Bethlehem Catholic High School. Students from these schools applied to join the program and were selected after an interview process.

“The Cadets have displayed an impressive work ethic and willingness to learn throughout their time with the Saskatoon Fire Department. Each Cadet has a unique set of interests and skills, which really added to the diversification of the program”, said Kenton Beatty, one of the firefighters leading the program. “It’s a fulfilling experience to witness and be a part of their collective growth.”

Throughout the eight week program, Cadets learned to operate fire hoses, hydrants, fire trucks and specialized water rescue equipment. They gained technical rope, ladder, extrication, dangerous goods, firefighter self-rescue and water safety skills. Cadets also received the CPR Level C certification and gained valuable experience in public speaking by providing fire safety presentations to school groups.

Jacquelyn Bell, another firefighter responsible for the program’s success, added “The contributions of partner organizations has benefited our students and this program significantly; their support is instrumental in creating a memorable experience for all of the Cadets.”

Thank-you:

Sherwood Chevrolet for the use of a GMC Savana Passenger Van to safely transport the Cadets to and from their daily activities, building comradery with each kilometre driven.

Stevenson Construction Services for the use of a utility trailer, allowing for the practical storage of necessary program materials and equipment.

Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) for contributing two salvaged vehicles for the Cadets to learn about vehicle extrication and the specialized tools used by the Saskatoon Fire Department.

Congratulations to each student who is graduating from the F.I.R.E. Cadet Program today!

A fire investigator has found the cause of a fire that occurred on June 5, 2019 at a business located at 126 Wheeler Street to be accidental in nature as a result of the inadequate maintenance of an aluminum dust collection appliance. It is believed that static electricity sparked the ignition of the aluminum dust as it passed through a filtration system.

Further investigation has identified that 13 fire extinguishers were used by the business in an attempt to contain the fire. These efforts remained unsuccessful, as the extinguishers used were not intended for combustible metal fires. The Saskatoon Fire Department reminds businesses to verify that the appropriate fire extinguishers to meet the hazard are present in the workplace.

Damage has been estimated at $20,000.

The Saskatoon Fire Department has now concluded its involvement in this incident.

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At approximately 2:54 this afternoon, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a call from an alarm company indicating a commercial fire signal had been activated on the alarm panel of a business located at 126 Wheeler Street. 

One fire engine was dispatched to investigate the cause of the activation. Upon arrival, fire crews observed a dust collection-type appliance on fire at this location. The call was immediately upgraded, prompting the dispatch of an additional two fire engines, one heavy rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief. 

All employees began evacuating the building to muster points nearby, allowing a representative of the business to confirm their accountability. Firefighters shut off the power to the building while an immediate attack on the fire was initiated. The fire was quickly brought under control and a search of the building confirmed there to be no further extension of the fire. Fire crews began ventilating the building of remaining smoke and carbon monoxide with the use of electric fans and the building's large overhead doors. 

There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident. By approximately 4:30 this afternoon, employees of the business were allowed back inside to retrieve their personal belongings. 

Fire investigators are working to determine a cause. A damage estimate is not yet available. 

At approximately 2:54 this afternoon, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a call from an alarm company indicating a commercial fire signal had been activated on the alarm panel of a business located at 126 Wheeler Street. 

One fire engine was dispatched to investigate the cause of the activation. Upon arrival, fire crews observed a dust collection-type appliance on fire at this location. The call was immediately upgraded, prompting the dispatch of an additional two fire engines, one heavy rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief. 

All employees began evacuating the building to muster points nearby, allowing a representative of the business to confirm their accountability. Firefighters shut off the power to the building while an immediate attack on the fire was initiated. The fire was quickly brought under control and a search of the building confirmed there to be no further extension of the fire. Fire crews began ventilating the building of remaining smoke and carbon monoxide with the use of electric fans and the building's large overhead doors. 

There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident. By approximately 4:30 this afternoon, employees of the business were allowed back inside to retrieve their personal belongings. 

Fire investigators are working to determine a cause. A damage estimate is not yet available. 

Cadets from the Firefighter Introduction Recruitment Experience (F.I.R.E.) program will be conducting a live-fire exercise on the training grounds at Fire Station No. 6, located at 3309 Taylor Street East, beginning at approximately 2:30 p.m. on June 5, 2019. The exercise is intended to provide a hands-on learning experience to F.I.R.E Cadets on safely using a fire extinguisher.

The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes to advise members of the public that smoke from the exercise may be present in the area during this time. Currently, wind conditions are west-northwest at 29km/hr, gusting to 39 km/hr.

The exercise is expected to conclude by approximately 4:30 p.m. on June 5, 2019.

In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

At approximately 8:13 this morning, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting smoke and flame coming from the front of a house located at 1138 Avenue P South. One occupant was reported to have self-evacuated and left the scene.

Three fire engines, one heavy rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, and one battalion chief were dispatched for immediate response. Two fire investigation units were later dispatched to the scene upon confirmation of a working structure fire.

Upon arrival of the first responding fire crew, a small bungalow with visible flame exiting from the front was observed. Additional information indicated the possibility of three large dogs remaining inside the house. Fire crews initiated an immediate attack from the exterior of the house to soften the fire, allowing additional crews to make entry through a side door and transition towards an interior attack. Firefighters shut down the gas line to the house, while utility technicians were requested to shut down remaining utilities. Multiple firefighters made entry into the house, locating and extinguishing a fire in the basement. The entire fire was controlled and contained with 30 minutes of the first arriving fire crew.

Fire crews used a thermal imaging camera to perform searches of each room in the house, confirming there to be no further extension of the fire, as well as no remaining occupants or pets. Ventilation was conducted using electric fans to clear the house of remaining smoke and carbon monoxide. Fire crews commenced the gross decontamination process upon exiting the house to begin cleaning their gear of toxins. 

The occupant that had left the scene later sought medical treatment at an emergency room for what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries; this individual remains in hospital.

This incident remains under investigation with the Saskatoon Fire Department and the Saskatoon Police Service. It is believed to be suspicious in nature. A fire investigator has estimated damages at approximately $200,000.

Cadets from the Firefighter Introduction Recruitment Experience (F.I.R.E.) program will be conducting a live-fire exercise on the training grounds at Fire Station No. 6, located at 3309 Taylor Street East, beginning at approximately 2:30 p.m. on June 3, 2019. The exercise is intended to provide a hands-on learning experience to F.I.R.E Cadets on safely using a fire extinguisher.

The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes to advise members of the public that smoke from the exercise may be present in the area during this time. Currently, wind conditions are east-southeast at 24 km/hr, gusting to 34 km/hr.

The exercise is expected to conclude by approximately 4:30 p.m. on June 3, 2019. 

In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

With dry conditions across all of Saskatchewan, the Saskatoon Fire Department would like to inform members of the public of provincial resources outlining the current jurisdictional fire bans in Saskatchewan. Additionally, residents are reminded of the requirements and regulations when using private or public fire pits within the City of Saskatoon.

Currently, there is no fire ban in effect for the City of Saskatoon. A complete and updated list of active fire bans, as well as information regarding wildfire in Saskatchewan can be found here.

Residents must ensure proper safety precautions and regulations are followed, with consideration being given to nearby properties when choosing to have an open-air fire in a private or public-use fire pit.

Burn Responsibly:

• Your fire pit must be made of non-combustible materials, and
• Only dry, cut seasoned cord wood or charcoal briquettes are permitted for burning. Burning elm branches is not permitted.

Burn Respectfully:

• Nuisance smoke can negatively affect the health of some people; fires producing nuisance, drifting smoke must be extinguished,
• Open-air fires must be extinguished by 11:00 p.m.,
• Garbage, yard waste, plastic, manure, livestock/animal carcasses, and any material producing dense black smoke, including insulation, hydrocarbons, rubber materials, and painted or creosoted wood are not permitted to be burned, and
• Communicate with your neighbours; they may appreciate being notified of your plan to have an open-air fire in advance.

Burn Safely:

• Position your open-air fire pit at least 3 metres from any combustible materials, including structures, fences, and trees,
• Cover your fire with a protective spark screen that has openings no larger than 13mm (1/2 inch),
• The size of your open-air fir pit must not be greater than 0.61 metres (24 inches) by 0.61 metres (24 inches) by 0.61 metres (24 inches),
• Supervise your fire at all times, always having a water supply on hand to extinguish your fire when you are finished with it, and
• Check the weather and respect wind speed, electing not to have a fire with winds exceeding 15 km/hr.

As per The Fire and Protective Services Bylaw No. 7990, open-air fires are prohibited outside of the permitted burning hours of 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. Electric, propane, and natural gas appliances used in accordance with manufacturer direction are not considered open-air.

Public-use fire pits by location:

The fire pits located within City of Saskatoon parks and along Meewasin Valley Authority trails in Saskatoon abide by the same time and burning regulations as outlined in Bylaw 7990.

The fire pits located within the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo are permitted to burn outside of the hours specified in Bylaw 7990; however, are only permitted to burn during the hours of operation of the facility.

The fire pits located within the Gordon Howe Campground are permitted to burn outside of the hours specified in Bylaw 7990. Visitors to the Gordon Howe Campground are encouraged to inquire with a staff member regarding the facility’s fire pit policy.

For all private and public-use fire pits, only dry, cut seasoned cord wood or charcoal briquettes are permitted to be burned.

REMINDER: for acreage and farm properties located within the bounds of the City of Saskatoon, burn permits are required prior to initiating a controlled burn.

In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Saskatoon fire department responded to a early morning garage fire at 215 Avenue E South. Trucks from # One hall, # Two hall, and a rescue truck from #Six hall responded to the incident.

The  detached garage that was located at the rear of this address was full involved on arrival. Fire crews quickly got the fire under control and the fire was confined to the building of origin. 

 Fire investigators are on scene investigating the fire. The cause of the is unknown at this time.

At 16:43 this afternoon, the Saskatoon Fire Department responded to a report of a truck pulling a boat trailer, and they had both slid into the river and become submerged. The incident took place at the public boat launch on Spadina Crescent.

The Fire Department responded with five water trained personnel and the Battalion Chief. Once crews arrived and assessed the scene, the decision to use rescue divers to hook cables up to the trailer first, then the truck, and pull them both out with the use of two tow trucks was agreed upon. 

The Firefighters were on scene for just over two hours, but working with the two truck operators, the truck and trailer were successfully and safely removed from the water and returned to dry land.

The cause is under investigation and fortunately, there were no injuries due to this incident.