UPDATE: Structure Fire - 300 block of Johnson Crescent
The Saskatoon Fire Department has concluded the investigation into a significant structure fire that occurred in the 300 block of Johnson Crescent on June 6, 2020. A fire investigator has confirmed the fire to have resulted from an unattended open-air fire pit. The fire, originating in an illegal container without a screen, quickly spread to a nearby garage before extending to the rear and roof of the house.
The Community Relations section of the Saskatoon Fire Department will be conducting an After The Fire follow-up in the immediate area surrounding the fire scene. Informational packages will be delivered to over 100 residences in the Pacific Heights neighbourhood.
This fire was preventable; members of the public are reminded to burn responsibly, respectfully, and safely when choosing to have an open-air fire. Information on open-air fire pits can be found by visiting saskatoon.ca/firepits.
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At approximately 1:11 a.m. on June 6, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a structure on fire in the 300 block of Johnson Crescent. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response.
Firefighters arrived on scene to find a fully involved detached garage with the fire extending towards the rear of the house. Power lines in the area were confirmed to have fallen; fire dispatchers contacted the appropriate utility providers to attend the scene. Fire crews connected to nearby hydrants and began an immediate defensive fire attack. Firefighters protected surrounding exposures, battling high heat conditions and a compromised structural integrity before bringing the fire under control at around 3:00 a.m.; hot spots were extinguished into the early hours of the morning.
Two occupants who had been unaccounted for, one male and one female, were confirmed to have not been home at the time of the fire. While conducting searches of the structure, two deceased dogs were located and removed by fire crews. Firefighters conducted overhaul and checked carbon monoxide levels at surrounding properties before concluding on scene and returning to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon.
This fire remains under investigation; the house and detached garage are considered to be a total loss at an approximate value of $400,000. An update will be provided upon a cause and origin confirmation.