CORRECTION: Structure fire - 1039 4th Street East

For immediate release: March 28, 2019 - 5:09 pm
19-03150

Further investigation into this incident has identified that a secondary tenant occupying a separate suite in the home aided in alerting and evacuating a neighbouring tenant from the fire suite. The Saskatoon Fire Department recognizes the heroic actions taken by this individual in ensuring their own safety, as well as that of other community members.

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A Fire Investigator has found that the fire at 1039 4th Street East was accidental in nature as a result of an unattended candle in a main floor bathroom. The home was equipped with working smoke alarms which woke the home's occupant and alerted to the fire. Damage has been estimated at $80,000.

Smoke alarms, including hard-wired ones, must be replaced every 10 years. Be sure to test your smoke alarms monthly, replacing the batteries annually or as needed throughout the year.

Remember to always put your candles out when you are not around to enjoy them. Consider the placement of your candles and what combustible materials may be around.

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

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At approximately 7:28 this morning, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a residential house on fire at 1039 4th Street East.

Three Fire Engines, one Heavy Rescue Unit, one Aerial Ladder Truck, one Fire Investigation Unit, and one Battalion Chief were dispatched for response. 

Upon arrival, fire crews confirmed visible smoke exiting the house with all occupants having self-evacuated. The gas line to the house was immediately disconnected and a system for ventilation was established. An attack group entered the house and extinguished a fire on the main floor. Ventilation was initiated to begin clearing the house of smoke while fire crews performed searches of each level. 

The Saskatoon Fire Department had multiple Firefighter Paramedics on scene from the responding engines; one occupant was in need of immediate medical attention as a result of the fire and was treated by Firefighter Paramedics before being transported to hospital for smoke inhalation.

A Fire Investigator remains on scene and has not yet identified a cause or provided a damage estimate.