UPDATE: Structure Fire - 800 block of Avenue J South

A fire investigator has concluded the investigation into a fire that originated in a shed-like garage structure on April 29, 2020 in the 800 block of Avenue J South.

The cause of the fire has been identified as accidental as a result of the improper use of a portable space heater. Damage has been estimated at approximately $15,000 to the structure and its contents.

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At approximately 3:06 p.m. on April 29, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received internal radio communication from the Saskatoon Police Service reporting smoke exiting a garage in the 800 block of Avenue J South. 

Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Upon arrival, smoke was confirmed to be exiting a shed-like garage structure. Firefighters immediately pulled a hose line from the front bumper of a fire engine and began to flow water from an on-board supply. Utility technicians were requested to attend due to the concern of an arching power supply line directly above the structure. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes of the first fire engine arriving on scene. Fire crews used a thermal imaging camera to aid in searching the structure for occupants; no occupants were found and the fire did not extend beyond the structure of origin. 

A fire investigator is on scene working to identify a cause; a damage estimate is not yet available. 

There were no injuries to civilian or fire personnel that resulted from the fire.