Structure Fire - 100 Block of Shaftsbury Place

At 2:14 a.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department responded to a structure fire.  Three fire engines, a rescue unit, a ladder truck and the Battalion Chief responded to the scene.  On arrival, first arriving fire crews reported smoke showing from a 4 level split home and began hooking the fire engine to the hydrant.  All incoming fire crews were assigned their tactical duties.  A gate had to be breached to access the rear of the home.  5 occupants were home at the time of the fire and evacuated to their backyard.  Utilities were shut off by firefighters for scene safety and utility companies requested to respond.  This fire was brought under control at 2:43 a.m.  

The occupants were turned over to the care of the ambulance service to be assessed for smoke inhalation.  

The fire scene was turned over to the Fire Investigator at 3:27 a.m.  Fire crews returned to their respective stations.

Cause of the fire was accidental due to an overloaded electrical circuit serving a 6 plug in multi power block.  Fire originated at an electrical outlet in the living room and damage estimate is $200,00. 

No working smoke alarms were identified in the home by the Fire Investigator.  Only one smoke alarm present without a battery, not functioning.  The occupants were woken by one of the occupants coughing from smoke filling the house.  Fire was visible in the living room and a parent jumped out the window, grabbed a ladder and evacuated the remainder of the family.  They took safe refuge in their yard until firefighters arrived.  Two adults and three children were lucky to escape with light smoke inhalation.

Please take this as an opportunity to test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.  If you don't have smoke or carbon monoxide alarms, install them immediately as they are part of a life safety system in your home.  Alarms save lives.  Check out the Saskatoon Fire Department webpage on minimum requirements and information on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.