UPDATE: Large brush fire - Strathcona Avenue near Cranberry Flats

A large brush fire south-west of Saskatoon along Strathcona Avenue was brought under control late into the evening on April 16, 2019; the under control was called at around 8:50 p.m., constituting a total burn time of approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes.

In total, seven Fire Engines, three Brush Trucks, two Water Tankers, and several support vehicles were committed to this incident throughout its duration. The Government of Saskatchewan provided support through the Ministry of Environment Wildfire Management Branch, initiating an air attack on the fire using a water bomber aircraft. Additionally, the Meewasin Valley Authority had personnel on scene into the early hours of April 17, 2019 assisting with firefighting efforts and monitoring the Cranberry Flats Conservation Area.

Changing winds and dry conditions challenged the efforts of firefighters; however, fire crews effectively contained the fire and stopped it from spreading to nearby homes, outbuildings, and livestock yards.

There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident. The Saskatoon Fire Department would like to thank members of the public for their accommodation of road closures in the area, as well as our partner agencies who assisted with scene safety and firefighting efforts.

The Saskatoon Fire Department will not be conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire, as the area falls outside of its investigative jurisdiction. A damage estimate will also not be provided.

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At approximately 2:04 this afternoon, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting trees on fire in a yard near Riverside Estates, a rural neighbourhood adjacent to Strathcona Avenue. 

Three Fire Engines, three Brush Trucks, two Water Tankers, two Battalion Chiefs, and two Assistant Chiefs have been dispatched for response. Additional Fire Engines will be dispatched throughout the duration of the incident to relieve fire crews working on scene.

The fire continued to burn past the yard in Riverside Estates and south towards the Cranberry Flats Conservation Area. Fire crews initiated defensive attacks in several areas, protecting homes and livestock from the extending fire. Water Tankers are shuttling water to the site, while Fire Engines and Brush Trucks are being used in firefighting efforts.

A Rehabilitation Unit from the Saskatoon Fire Department has been deployed to the fire scene to aid in fire crew relief. A Safety Officer on scene is continuing to monitor fire crew safety and procedure. The Corman Park Police Service has responded and is assisting with the facilitation of traffic flow through the area. 

Multiple firefighters and fire officials remain on scene in collectively managing this incident, controlling and containing the fire to the affected area. This incident is ongoing and an update will be provided as new information becomes known.

Members of the public are asked to avoid travel through the area and to follow the direction of police on scene.