Multi-Structure Fire - 300 block of Avenue R South

At around 4:40 p.m. on August 16, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting the back of a residential structure to be on fire in the 300 block of Avenue R South. Four fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were committed to this incident. 

Arriving on scene in just over three minutes, firefighters found a fully involved residential structure with flames extending towards exposures at two adjacent properties; it was soon confirmed that one of these adjacent properties was also involved in fire. The commanding fire officer made an informed decision to deploy an aerosol fire suppression tool, otherwise referred to as a fire suppression grenade, into one of the involved structures to rapidly control the heat and spread of fire. Fire dispatchers contacted the appropriate utility technicians for attendance to address a compromised power pole and shut down utilities to the affected structures. Fire crews performed searches of the structures and confirmed there to be no occupants or pets inside. Both involved structures were boarded-up at the time of the fire. Firefighters ensured there was no further extension occurring before the fire was declared under control at approximately 6:07 p.m. 

There were no injuries to fire or civilian personnel as a result of this incident. A cause and damage estimate are not available at this time. 

The Saskatoon Fire Department has had aerosol fire suppression tools in select fire apparatus for about one year; in recent months, coverage of this equipment has been expanded into additional fire apparatus to continue protecting life and property in the City of Saskatoon and surrounding area.