Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Saskatoon News Releases
SFD responds to grass fire involving power pole in area south of Cartwright Street
July 17, 2023 - 1:45 pm
At 10:28 a.m. on Monday, July 17, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a 9-1-1 call reporting a power pole on fire, south of Cartwright Street by the Willows Golf Course. One engine, a brush truck, a tanker truck and one battalion chief were dispatched.
Upon arriving, fire crews observed a utility power pole on fire. SaskPower was requested to attend by SFD, and Corman Park Police were also notified for traffic control. Access to the affected pole was made by SFD crews by cutting a barbed wire fence. Once SaskPower arrived, electricity was de-energized and SFD personnel then extinguished the fire.
No one was injured.
SFD wants to remind everyone that if a fire involving a power line is discovered, stay far away from the energized utility pole and wires, as they may still be energized and call 9-1-1 immediately,
The fire damage estimate is not known at this time.
Extraction response at University of Saskatchewan
July 4, 2023 - 4:45 pm
At 2:14 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a 9-1-1 call reporting roof panels that had collapsed at the University of Saskatchewan campus. One engine, two rescue trucks and one battalion chief were dispatched.
Upon arrival, rescue crews identified a portion of ceiling had collapsed and potentially six people were trapped underneath. Rescue personnel entered the scene and found three male workers with injuries. One worker was trapped underneath roof panels and sustained a fracture to his leg. The other two workers also received injuries, one with an ankle fracture and the other with bruising to his body. All three were removed safely from the scene by SFD rescue personnel and taken to hospital by ambulance. The other workers present were found safe and were not transported to hospital.
Saskatoon Fire Department assists STARS
July 1, 2023 - 7:45 pm
On July 1, 2023, at 4:17 p.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) was requested to assist STARS with establishing a landing zone at Cranberry Flats. One fire engine responded and fire crews worked with the STARS dispatch and the ambulance service in establishing a landing zone to assist with a patient. No details are known about the patient. SFD established a landing zone, assisted STARS in landing safely. Fire crew assisted the ambulance service with transferring the patient from STARS to the ambulance. Fire crew were released from the scene at 5:13 p.m.
Team work and partnerships amongst the emergency services is essential in serving everyone.
Happy Canada Day, stay safe and hydrated.
Apartment fire - 200 block of Avenue P South
June 28, 2023 - 11:00 am
At 6:13 a.m. on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a 9-1-1 call reporting a fire on the main level of an apartment on the 200 block of Avenue P South. Three engines, one ladder, one rescue truck and one battalion chief were dispatched.
Upon arrival, fire crews identified flames showing on the main level of the apartment. One adult had been within the suite when the fire started and was removed prior to the fire crews’ arrival. The individual sustained burns and medical attention was administered. The person was transported to hospital by ambulance.
The fire crews conducted a search of the building and suppressed the fire. The fire was brought under control at 6:40 a.m.
An SFD Fire Investigator was requested to perform a fire cause and origin scene examination. A Saskatoon City Police Arson Investigator was also called in to the fire scene. The fire is presently under investigation and a cause has not yet been determined.
The fire damage is estimated at $50,000 dollars.
Saskatoon Fire Department recognizes civilian with Award of Merit
June 23, 2023 - 8:30 am
The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) is pleased to recognize Joe Madden for his actions that resulted in safely evacuating tenants of a burning home.
In the early morning of November 28, 2022, Madden was leaving a local convenience store when he saw a fire coming from a home on the corner of Main and Clarence. There were no emergency vehicles present, so Joe called 9-1-1.
Joe proceeded to pound on the door in case there were residents inside the home. Two residents woke up to Joe’s knock and were able to get themselves and their two pets out the door and safely across the street.
Having previous experience with a basement suite, Joe made the smart decision to check the home for basement tenants. Pounding on the door at the back of the house, Joe was able to help two more people get out of the basement and safely across the street.
In total, Joe saved four people, a cat, and a budgie out of the house.
SFD received a call at 1:07 a.m. reporting a structure fire on the 900 block of Main Street. Arriving on scene, fire crews found visible flames on the exterior of a home with the fire advancing into the roof. Firefighters brought the fire under control by 1:42 a.m. The cause of the fire was undetermined and damage was estimated at $150,000.
“Joe's decisive actions undoubtedly saved lives that day, reminding us of the incredible impact individuals can have in extraordinary circumstances,” says Fire Chief Morgan Hackl. “We commend Joe for his exemplary actions and commitment to safety.”
Madden was presented with an Award of Merit on June 23, 2023 in a small ceremony at Fire Station No.1.
Update: Fire Response under University Bridge
June 22, 2023 - 2:15 pm
After bringing the fire under control at approximately 5:30 p.m. on June 21, 2023, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) continued to monitor hot spots into the evening. The scene was cleared at approximately 10:30 p.m. There is no longer a fire risk on the bridge and, following minor repairs by City crews, the structure was reopened to traffic this afternoon.
An SFD Fire Investigator was requested to perform a fire cause and origin scene examination. The fire investigator determined the fire as suspicious and originated from a household mattress located within one of the bridge’s arches. The Saskatoon Police Service will continue their portion of the investigation.
A damage estimate is not available at this time.
Update: Fire Response under University Bridge
June 21, 2023 - 3:30 pm
- From the east side of the bridge, drivers are encouraged to take Clarence Avenue to 12th Street and use the Broadway Bridge or use 8th street and use the Traffic Bridge or Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge.
- From the west side of the bridge, drivers are encouraged to take alternate routes downtown and to use the Broadway Bridge, Traffic Bridge, or Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge.
The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) continues to address a fire that is occurring on the underside of University Bridge. Fire crews are working with City engineers, Saskatoon Light & Power and Saskatoon Water to determine the extent of the fire and monitor the integrity of the bridge. SFD’s Command 9 unit is also on scene.
The fire is under control, but firefighters continue to assess the scene for hot spots. As a precautionary measure, work crews are drilling into the bridge deck for firefighters to apply water at specific locations, controlling temperatures and avoiding risk to the bridge.
The fire appears to have started from a mattress in an encampment on top of an archway under the bridge. The flames reached the underside of the bridge deck where old wooden forms used to repair the bridge in 1972 were exposed. This, in turn, started a fire in a designed utility cavity that is difficult to reach.
Based on a preliminary assessment, there doesn’t appear to be any major structural damage to the University Bridge; however, further evaluations are necessary to determine the overall impact. Detailed inspections will be conducted to assess the bridge's condition and confirm its safety prior to reopening.
Maintaining the bridge's safety and integrity is top priority. SFD, along with City engineers, Saskatoon Light & Power and Saskatoon Water will continue to closely monitor the situation. Once further inspections are done, work will begin on rectifying any potential damage.
For your safety and ours, pedestrians and cyclists are asked to please stay away from the barricaded walkways at University Bridge.
We ask drivers to reroute their commute:
A timeline of when the bridge will be reopened is not known at this time.
Fire response under University Bridge
June 21, 2023 - 9:30 am
The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) is actively extinguishing a fire that started within an encampment under the University Bridge. SFD first received a report of a fire under the bridge on June 21, 2023 at 12:41 a.m. Upon arrival, fire crews identified an abandoned encampment on fire under the bridge. SFD is currently on scene with a ladder truck which is being used to access the location and a tanker truck to supply water. The fire is in a location that is difficult to extinguish. The fire is under control but a timeline of when the fire will be fully extinguished is not known at this time.
Motorists and pedestrians are asked to avoid the area directly under the University Bridge at this time while crews remain on scene.
FIRE Cadets graduate from eight-week program
June 15, 2023 - 4:00 pm
On June 15, 2023, 13 students received their certificates from the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) to signify the successful completion of their eight-week journey in the Firefighter Introduction Recruitment Experience (FIRE) Cadet program. A small ceremony was held at Station No. 1 to celebrate and recognize the young individuals for their service to the public, safety, relationships and teamwork.
The FIRE Cadets program gives high school students the opportunity to understand the firefighting career through a series of both classroom and hands-on learning. Over eight weeks, the cadets met four times a week to build new and strengthen existing life skills. Each cadet was presented with opportunities to challenge their mental and physical wellness, a sense of self-responsibility, personal growth, leadership, teamwork, and fire prevention skills. These skills are intended to contribute to one’s success in all aspects of life, including future career applications.
Under the guidance of experienced SFD instructors, the cadets participated in a range of firefighting and emergency services exercises including CPR accreditation, vehicle extrication, operation of hoses and hydrants, use of ladders and aerial apparatus, dark-room search and rescue, water rescue and forcible entry. The cadets also participated in community-service related activities including needle and garbage pickup, and fire safety presentations to elementary school students. In total, the class completed more than 60 hours of training and community involvement.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with this year’s cadet class and watch them be a part of the FIRE Cadet program,” says Fire Chief Morgan Hackl. “Seeing the students’ personal growth, alongside coming together as a team has been inspiring to witness. They have continually stepped outside of their comfort zones and excelled at each task they were introduced to. SFD is extremely proud to be a part of this partnership with Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools and Saskatoon Public Schools.”
Encampment Fire - Area between Avenue K South & Spadina Crescent
June 7, 2023 - 10:45 am
June 7, 2023, at 9:25 a.m., a Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) Fire Bylaw Inspector responded to a report of someone living without housing near the Old Sanatorium site south of the 1300 Block of Avenue K South. This was a heavily treed area and not easily accessible. Our Inspector arrived at the site that was not occupied at the time but a smoldering fire involving a tent and clothing was identified. SFD Dispatch was notified by our Inspector and one brush truck was dispatched to ensure the smoldering fire didn't get out of control.
Fire crews arrived to the site and walked in to the fire. Firefighters used their water backpacks to fully extinguish the fire. Some vegetation, a tent and its contents sustained fire damage. An under control was declared at 10:02 a.m.
No injuries resulted from this fire. A fire investigation was not conducted. The burnt contents and structure were removed from the area.