Person at Risk - Fire/Civilian Injuries - Circle Drive West at Idylwyld Drive North

At approximately 8:13 p.m. on June 16, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call from an off-duty fire inspector reporting a person at risk on the Circle Drive West overpass that crosses Idylwyld Drive North. One fire engine, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Upon arrival, fire crews observed an individual on the outside of the security fencing expressing an intent to harm themselves; multiple police officers were on scene engaging the individual towards a peaceful resolution. As firefighters cut the security fencing to provide access and began positioning an aerial ladder truck to assist in rescue, the person advanced from the edge of the overpass; the battalion chief made an immediate decision to force his arm through the cut fencing, grabbing the individual and preventing them from continuing over the edge. Police assisted in holding this position with the battalion chief until the aerial ladder truck was able to successfully rescue the individual.

The battalion chief was medically assessed and treated by firefighter-paramedics before continuing to hospital for further evaluation; his injuries are believed to be minor and are primarily related to cuts received from the fencing. The individual that was rescued was transferred to the Saskatoon Police Service and subsequently transported to hospital by ambulance as a precaution.

Firefighters have concluded on scene and returned to their stations to continue proudly serving Saskatoon.