Structure Fire in the 1500 Block of Rayner Avenue

At 5:00 p.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a report of a fire at a mobile home in the 1500 Block of Rayner Avenue.  Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one ladder truck and the Battalion Chief were dispatched to respond.  It was reported that no one was inside the structure with one occupant staying warm in their vehicle.  First arriving fire crews reported smoke and flames showing on arrival.  The on duty Fire Investigator was dispatched at 5:15 p.m.  Natural gas and electrical service were shut down to the structure for scene safety.  An exterior attack was initiated immediately and incoming fire crews were assigned tactical duties on their arrival by the Fire Officer in charge.  Safety officer duties were assigned to a Captain of another fire crew.  A City of Saskatoon truck was requested to provide sand/gravel on site to assist with icy conditions being created during the extinguishment by fire crews.

With the extremely cold temperature, fire engines freezing was a concern and another fire engine was requested to assist at the fire scene.  On duty fire crews switched out firefighters on scene to avoid cold exposure and provide relief.   This fire was brought under control at 7:31 p.m.

An SFD maintenance vehicle picked up equipment to return to the stations for thawing and decontamination.  

No injuries to civilians or firefighters occurred as a result of this fire.

The Fire Investigator conducted a cause and origin scene examination.  Cause of the fire is accidental from a kerosene heater being too close to the exterior of the structure in an effort to keep water lines from freezing.  The wood skirting around the mobile home caught fire and caused $30,000 in damages.  The occupant was rehoused.  Our Fire Investigator had the structure secured and left the scene at 10:43 p.m.