Garage Fire - 200 Block of Ash Street

At 7:21 p.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department received a call for a detached garage on fire.  Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched.  First arriving fire crews identified two garages on fire side by side.  All responding fire crews were assigned tactical duties by the Incident Commander.  Extinguishment of the fire was initiated immediately.  The fire was brought under control at 7:35 p.m.  A Fire Investigator was notified to attend.  Fire crews checked for fire extension and hot spots.  At 7:51 p.m., fire crews and their trucks began to pack up their equipment and return to their respective fire stations.  

At 8:31 p.m., the Incident Commander turned the fire scene over to the Fire Investigator.  The fire investigation has concluded and this fire is undetermined.  Fire originated with straw bales stored between the garages.  It cannot be determined with plausible determination whether the bales were lit on fire or internal heating occurred creating an opportunity for the straw bales to reach their ignition temperature.  Damage is estimated at $70,000.