UPDATE: Structure Fire - 700 block of Weldon Avenue

After an in-depth cause and origin examination of the scene, a fire investigator has identified the fire that occurred in the 700 block of Weldon Avenue on August 28, 2020 to be incendiary. Damage has been estimated at about $30,000.

In conduction of the scene examination, deficiencies with the smoke alarms throughout the residential structure were noted. The Fire Prevention & Investigation section is reminding members of the public of the importance in having operable smoke and carbon monoxide alarms; test these alarms monthly, changing the batteries annually or when the alarm begins to sound intermittently, and replace the entire alarm on or before the expiry date printed on the label.

The Saskatoon Fire Department has involved the Saskatoon Police Service on this incident.

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At approximately 3:23 p.m. on August 28, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting dark smoke exiting the basement area of a residential structure in the 700 block of Weldon Avenue. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief responded to the scene. 

Firefighters arrived to find heavy black smoke and a significant amount of heat being produced from the basement of the structure; immediately deploying hose lines and connecting to nearby hydrants, fire crews softened the fire from the exterior prior to making entry to continue full extinguishment from the interior. Firefighters shut down utilities to the structure as fire dispatchers requested the attendance of utility technicians on scene. There were no occupants, pets, or further extension of the fire located during multiple searches of the structure. 

A fire investigator is beginning work to identify a cause and assess the damage; firefighters have since concluded their work on scene and are returning to their stations to continue proudly serving Saskatoon and surrounding area.