UPDATE: Garage Fire - 1100 block of McNaughton Avenue

The Saskatoon Fire Department has concluded the investigation into a fire that occurred in the 1100 block of McNaughton Avenue on the morning of April 23, 2020. 

A fire investigator has found the cause to be accidental in nature as a result of the spontaneous combustion of soiled rags. The rags, soiled with staining product, had been left in an open combustible container inside the garage causing them to self-heat and ignite. Damage has been estimated at approximately $25,000. 

After using rags, towels, or other applicators to apply paints, stains, finishing oils, or solvents, members of the public are reminded of safe storage and disposal practices by allowing adequate time for these items to dry in an open-air environment away from other combustible materials; once dry, place them in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid.

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At approximately 7:22 a.m. on April 23, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department responded to the 1100 block of McNaughton Avenue with three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief after receiving reports of a garage on fire.

The first responding fire crew observed a double detached garage with smoke visibly exiting the structure upon their arrival. Utilities supplying the structure were shut down by arriving fire crews. Firefighters located and extinguished a fire on the interior of the garage in less than 10 minutes of the first fire engine arriving on scene. No extension of the fire was found and no injuries were reported. 

Fire crews conducted ventilation of the structure using electric fans prior to clearing the scene and returning to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon.

A fire investigator is working to determine a cause and damage estimate.