UPDATE: Structure Fire - 1102 3rd Avenue North

The Saskatoon Fire Department is concluding on scene of a structure fire in the 1100 block of 3rd Avenue North.

Initial reports of this incident had indicated maintenance work being conducted on the roof of the structure; all maintenance personnel had made it off of the roof and were accounted for prior to the arrival of the first responding fire engine. Additionally, all employees of the affected businesses had self-evacuated to a safe location. 

Once on scene, firefighters shut off the gas supply to the structure while fire dispatchers requested utility technicians to shut down remaining utilities.

Upon gaining access to the roof, firefighters worked from both the exterior and interior to locate the fire. Once located, fire crews worked diligently to contain the fire to the area of origin, limiting the extent of the damage and protecting the fire from further involving the roof. Additionally, fire crews brought in salvage covers in an attempt to protect retail merchandise from the effects of firefighting efforts. A variety of chainsaws, poke-poles, and axes were used to search for extension of the fire throughout the structure.

One additional fire engine was later requested to attend due to the challenging location of the fire and significant work efforts that fire crews had been conducting on scene.

Once fully extinguished, firefighters established ventilation using electric fans to clear the structure of remaining smoke and carbon monoxide.

A fire investigator is on scene working to determine a cause. A damage estimate is not available at this time.

An update will be provided upon conclusion of the investigative findings.

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At approximately 4:42 this afternoon, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls alerting to a business on fire at 1102 3rd Avenue North. 

Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief have currently been deployed to the fire scene.

Upon arrival of the first responding fire crew, smoke could be observed exiting the roof of the structure. Firefighters immediately established a laddered connection to the roof and began investigating to identify a source of the smoke. 

Firefighting efforts are ongoing and members of the public are being asked to avoid the area of 3rd Avenue North and 33rd Street East due to the large presence of emergency vehicles and personnel working on scene.

An update will be provided as additional information becomes known.