Hampton Village fires remain under investigation

The Saskatoon Fire Department continues to investigate the cause of fires on the 400 block of Geary Crescent that Friday destroyed four homes, six garages and caused damage to a total of 20 properties in Hampton Village.

The Deputy Chief who leads the team of fire investigators, says everyone understands the devastating effect of the fires, but that a probe of this nature takes time.

“In order to respect our fire investigation process, we will be very factual and thorough before we give a cause and origin,” says Deputy Chief Yvonne Raymer. “But at the end of the day, it may also be undetermined.”

Just after 12 p.m. Friday, May 29, fire crews arrived in just under six minutes to heavy black smoke and at least one home fully on fire. A second alarm was immediately called.

Thirty-two firefighters responded to the scene including two aerial trucks, four engines, a rescue engine, Command 9, a safety officer, battalion chief and deputy chief taking about two-and-a-half hours to get the flames under control.

All occupants evacuated safely – no injuries to residents or firefighters were reported.

Later Friday, the fire department had a City excavator knock down remaining structures to make it safer for investigators to do their work.

Raymer cautions about any speculation related to building materials and neighbourhood density.

“Saskatoon is not abnormal from any other city in the way we plan and develop our neighbourhoods. This is, in fact, accepted across Canada. We are not making a bylaw that makes this sub-par for affordable housing.

“All those structures met the minimum requirements of the National Building Code of Canada. All structures in the City of Saskatoon go through a permit process and have a building inspection.”

Raymer says firefighters did everything that could be expected as difficult, optimal fire conditions were present Friday and likely the main factor. She explains winds were over 30 Km/h, the temperature was above 30 degrees and the relative humidity was around 30 per cent.

“When we look at wind conditions and the extent of where the fire was -- it was burning so hot -- it was being pushed and was wind-driven.”

The Fire Department is offering support to the families and residents affected by the fire.

There is no word on when the investigation will be complete. Raymer says the fire investigator still has interviews to conduct and do necessary paperwork for homeowners to provide insurance companies.

More information will be shared when it is available.