Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Saskatoon News Releases
Structure Fire - Stanley Place
June 6, 2023 - 6:00 pm
At 6:10 a.m. on June 6, 2023, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a report of a garage on fire off the alley behind Stanley Place. Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched. First arriving fire crews reported flames visible from a detached garage. All incoming fire crews were assigned their tactical duties. The fire was quickly brought under control at 6:20 a.m. Our Fire Investigator was requested to attend.
The property had been closed for occupancy by the SFD on January 17, 2023. The house and garage were vacant and secured at the time of this fire. Repair orders were issued by the SFD at the time of the closure.
Fire Investigator has concluded our cause and origin examination. Cause of the fire is suspicious. Fire originated on the exterior of the garage along the overhead door. Damage is estimated at $10,000. Structure was turned over to a representative for the property to re-secure. SFD will continue in its process with the current orders.
Saskatoon Police Service will continue their portion of the investigation.
No injuries resulted from this fire.
Structure Fire - 300 Block Avenue J South
June 5, 2023 - 8:15 am
On June 5, 2023 at 2:38 a.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 9-1-1 call for a garage fire in the 300 Block of Avenue J South. Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief responded. First arriving fire crews reported a garage fully involved in fire. An exterior extinguishment was initiated immediately. The Fire Investigator was requested.
The fire was brought under control at 2:48 a.m. SFD's Fire Investigator requested the assistance of a Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) Investigator. A cause and origin fire investigation was conducted. The Fire Investigator has determined that this fire is suspicious and originated in the interior of the garage. Damage is estimated at $30,000. The SFD Fire Investigator has concluded our portion of the investigation and SPS will follow up.
No injuries occurred as a result of this fire. The property has now been turned over to the care of the property manager.
Trailer Fire – 2300 block of 8th Street East
June 1, 2023 - 3:30 pm
At 12:20 p.m. on Thursday, June 1, 2023 the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a 9-1-1 call reporting a trailer on fire behind a commercial business on the 2300 block of 8th Street East. Two engines, one battalion chief and a fire investigator were dispatched.
Upon arriving, fire crews observed a utility trailer carrying a water tank and pressure washer fully involved in fire. Fire crews extinguished the fire.
One person was injured with burns to the upper body and was transported to hospital for treatment.
An SFD Fire Investigator was requested to perform a fire cause and origin scene examination. The fire investigator identified the equipment had not sufficiently cooled down prior to refueling. The cause of the fire was accidental.
SFD wants to remind everyone that when you are re-fueling gasoline-powered equipment, a sufficient cool down period should occur prior to refueling the unit.
The fire damage is estimated at $20,000.
Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization combats extreme weather
June 1, 2023 - 10:30 am
On June 7, 2023, Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization (EMO) will present two reports related to Saskatoon’s Extreme Weather Emergency Response Plans to the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services.
As summer temperatures approach, EMO and community partners explore options to increase water accessibility in Saskatoon and mitigate the risks of extreme heat.
“Extreme heat is a risk our community faces in the summer months, which makes access to water important. Water access in Saskatoon is available through a variety of City of Saskatoon facilities and services and community agencies,” explains Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Management Organization. “There are multiple ways to access water across Saskatoon. This includes, water fountains, water bottle filling stations, distribution of re-usable water bottles, disposable water bottles through emergency services, outreach teams and site-based community services.”
EMO’s report to committee highlights two new additions to the Extreme Hot Weather Emergency Response Plan: a 24-hour water bottle filling station and misting tents. EMO partnered with the Westside Community Clinic to install a water bottle filling station that will be available 24 hours a day throughout the summer. Additionally, three misting tents will be available through EMO for event organizers to use at summer events.
As preparation ramps up for the extreme heat response, EMO simultaneously reviews the Extreme Cold Weather Emergency Response Plan. During the winter of 2022-2023, EMO activated the Extreme Cold Weather Emergency Response Plan six times for a total of 27 days. The plan was executed with the assistance of over 30 community partners who formed four task force groups: Outreach Services, Emergency Shelter Services, Warm-up Services and a General Task Force.
“Our community is made up of many dedicated partners and organizations who work tirelessly together on the frontlines to provide shelter and outreach services to those who are experiencing homelessness” says Goulden-McLeod. “This past winter the city experienced a significant increase in the number of individuals accessing warming locations or emergency shelter, which put a huge strain on partners’ resources and required an increased need for a coordinated and collaborative approach.”
EMO’s report to committee outlines the year-end review corrective actions for the 2023-2024 season, which includes Community partners identifying that the underlying strain on resources during extreme cold weather related to the need for 100 barrier-free complex beds throughout Saskatoon as part of the continuum of housing needs.
Vehicle Fire - 100 Block of Chitek Crescent
June 1, 2023 - 7:00 am
On May 31, 2023 at 11:09 a.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a 9-1-1 call reporting a waste disposal truck on fire. Two fire engines were dispatched. On arrival, the fire crews reported the vehicle was fully involved in fire. A Fire Investigator was requested to attend. The fire was brought under control at 11:24 a.m.
SFD's Fire Investigator has concluded the fire investigation. Damage is estimated at $235,000 and the vehicle is a total loss. Fire originated in the hydraulic area behind the cab. Cause of the fire is accidental due to a mechanical failure.
The operator of the vehicle was able to safely evacuate the cab prior to the fire entering the driver's compartment. No injuries to the occupant or firefighters occurred as a result of this fire.
Saskatoon Fire Department releases 2023-2026 Strategic Plan
May 31, 2023 - 4:30 pm
- Advance Community Resiliency
- Community Safety & Well-being
- Risk Assessment
- Partnerships & Relationships
- Maximize Service Excellence
- SFD Master Plan
- Asset Planning & Management
- Organizational Performance
- Data & Technology
- Be Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
- Truth & Reconciliation
- Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
- Synergize Training & Development
- Employee Safety & Wellness
- Professional Development
- Interdisciplinary Training Model
Today, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) made public its 2023-2026 Strategic Plan (“Plan”). The Plan articulates SFD’s individual work plans, program development, business planning, and annual budgeting to support divisional and corporate priorities.
The Plan focuses on four strategic goals and 12 corresponding initiatives:
“This document is a really important resource for us as our fire service continues to evolve,” says Fire Chief Morgan Hackl. “Our Strategic Plan charts a course that embraces partnerships, leverages technology and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. With a clear vision in mind, we can remain at the forefront of firefighting and emergency response and shape a safer and more resilient community.”
The Plan will be presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services on June 6, 2023.
Structure Fire - 200 Block of Avenue V South
May 29, 2023 - 9:00 am
At 8:19 p.m. on May 28, 2023, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a 9-1-1 call for a possible fire in an apartment building in the 200 Block of Avenue V South. Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched. First arriving fire crew reported flames showing from a 3rd story suite of an apartment building. There were occupants needing assistance in evacuating due to heavy smoke in the hallways. Two additional fire engines were dispatched to assist with evacuation and fire suppression.
Fire crews assisted with evacuating 4 occupants who were trapped in their suites. Fire was brought under control at 9:04 p.m. The Fire Investigator was requested to attend.
The fire separation door that serves the suite that opens into the hallway was left in the open position. This allowed smoke to leave the fire suite and fill up the hallway subsequently making it impassable for some occupants in other suites to evacuate safely.
Twenty-six occupants were rehoused to a local hotel.
The fire scene was turned over to the Fire Investigator. Cause of the fire is suspicious. Two origins were identified in a suite on the 3rd floor. A fire was identified in a bedroom and another fire located in the living room. Damage is estimated at $400,000 of the 4 story, apartment building.
One occupant was transported to hospital by the ambulance service for smoke inhalation and later released. No injuries to firefighters occurred as a result of this fire.
Property owner arranged to have the building secured.
The Saskatoon Police Service will continue their portion of the investigation.
Structure Fire - 100 Block of 32nd Street West
May 28, 2023 - 9:45 am
At 5:13 a.m. on May 28, 2023, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a call for a possible structure fire in the 100 block of 32nd Street West. Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched in response. First arriving fire crew reported flames coming through the roof of a boarded up, one and half story, single family dwelling unit. An exterior extinguishment was initiated upon arrival. All incoming fire crews were assigned their tactical duties. Utility services were shut down for safety precautions at the fire scene. Fire crews removed plywood from various points of entry to create egress for firefighter safety upon entering the structure.
The fire was brought under control at 6:49 a.m. Fire crews completed extinguishment and turned over the fire scene to the Fire Investigator at 7:39 a.m.
SFD attended a fire at this property previously on March 25, 2023. The structure was closed at that time for no occupancy, and a repair order had been placed on the property.
Cause of this fire is still under investigation with $80,000 in fire damage being sustained. Total fire damage from both fires is estimated at $160,000. The SFD Fire Investigator will continue the fire investigation. An update will be sent once the investigation has completed.
The structure is being re-secured at this time by the property owner. No injuries were sustained as a result of this fire.
Structure Fire with Fatality - 1300 Block of Idylwyld Drive
May 17, 2023 - 2:00 pm
Saskatoon Fire Department confirm one person was found deceased at the scene of a residential fire crews responded to in the 1300 block of Idylwyld Drive North this afternoon.
On May 17, 2023 at 12:59 p.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 9-1-1 call reporting a fire in the 1300 block of Idylwyld Drive North. No other information was received, and the caller disconnected.
Dispatched to the unknown fire were three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief. First arriving fire crew reported smoke showing from the attic of a one-and-a-half story residential structure. All incoming fire crews were assigned their tactical duties upon their arrival. Four occupants had evacuated the structure. One occupant had attempted to extinguish the fire while on the roof of an adjacent shed. This individual presented with singed hair but no other injuries and declined medical care.
The Fire Investigator was requested to attend.
Firefighters breached the front door which was locked at the time of their arrival. Interior extinguishment began upon entry. One of the occupants that had evacuated safely reported to the fire crews that there was possibly one occupant still inside. An interior search for the occupant began. At 1:18 p.m., fire crews located an unknown aged male who had succumbed in the fire on the upper floor.
This fire was brought under control at 1:21 p.m.
Fire scene has been turned over to the Fire Investigator at 2:33 p.m.
Fire is under investigation at this time. It is unknown why the occupant was unable to self-evacuate.
An update will be provided as soon as practical.
Exxplore 2023
May 13, 2023 - 5:15 pm
May 13, 2023, was a day to Exxplore the Fire Department and Police Service within Saskatoon. There were 110 people registered for the event from our community wanting to experience highlights of our front line services. The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) and the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) worked collaboratively to display skills, expertise and share experiences highlighting careers in our emergency services.
Today showcased:
SFD's ladder truck and its capabilities, a fire engine actively pumping water with hose lines, paramedic skills being demonstrated, and a relay that highlighted the physical demands of a firefighter. All registrants were active participants.
SPS's K-9 unit with "Diesel" showcasing his abilities, the Bear Cat unit being toured, and highlights from weapons used to gain compliance. Registrants got first hand demonstrations.
Outstanding day of fun and engagement where a panel of speakers from both departments talked about their work and the benefit of diversity and inclusion to our services. Registrants were allowed to ask questions, be a part of the team and have one on one conversations with all personnel on site.
Thank you to the team work of Saskatoon Police and Saskatoon Fire personnel who made this day a great experience for those who attended and "Exxplored" our services.
Huge shout out to the Police Service for hosting the event at their station.
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