New Year's Eve structure fire in the 400 Block of Avenue R South
At 9:21 p.m. on December 31, 2021, Saskatoon City Police reported a structure fire in the 400 block of Avenue R South to the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) Communications Center. Police saw the fire during their patrol. Fire crews were dispatched and first arriving fire engine reported the structure was completely involved in fire. Incoming fire crews were assigned tactical duties and a safety officer was designated for the duration of this incident. An exterior attack of the fire was initiated on arrival with limited entry into the structure due to the amount of fire and unsafe conditions met. The neighbouring houses were at risk of becoming involved in the fire. Some firefighters were assigned to protect the neighbouring structures.
A portion of the structure involved in the fire had to be taken down with an excavator at 3:19 a.m. It was identified that a wall was at immediate risk of failing from its loss of structural strength due to fire consuming structural components and the weight of water freezing to the structure. The take down of a portion of the building also assisted firefighters to extinguish an area of fire that couldn't be accessed from the exterior.
One resident reported as living at this structure was not accounted for during this fire and Saskatoon Police are following up.
SaskEnergy and Saskatoon Light and Power were notified to disconnect service for safety precautions. City of Saskatoon trucks supported the fire scene by spreading sand around the streets and sidewalks due to icy conditions created by water used for extinguishment. Police maintained traffic control and the ambulance service was on stand by. Thank you to our partner agencies for their support.
Initially 3 fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit, the Battalion Chief and a Fire Investigator were dispatched to the scene. Firefighters off duty were called in to operate reserve fire engines to ensure adequate resources were maintained. Throughout the duration of this fire, 10 additional fire crews were rotated through the fire scene to avoid cold exposure and provide relief. The fire scene was also supported by SFD's maintenance vehicles to switch out equipment during this incident.
The Fire Investigator was not able to conduct a cause and origin scene examination. Damage to the structure is estimated at $150,000. The area around the structure has been fenced off and a Notice of Closure placed on the property by the SFD. An Order to Remedy will be issued by the Fire Investigator to ensure the structure's complete demolition occurs as soon as practical.
No injuries to firefighters occurred as a result of this fire.
Fire crews responded to 36 incidents during their 14 hour night shift with this fire being one incident. Fire crews left the scene just before 8 a.m. on January 1, 2022.
Happy New Year, Stay Warm and Stay Safe.