UPDATE: Vacant Structure Fire - 400 block of Avenue S South

A fire investigator has concluded on scene of a structure fire that occurred at a vacant property in the 400 block of Avenue S South on May 3, 2020.

The fire has been identified as incendiary, damaging both the structure of origin and a neighbouring vacant property; damage is estimated at approximately $10,000 between the two properties affected.

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At approximately 10:54 a.m. on May 3, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting heavy black smoke exiting from the back of a vacant and boarded-up residential structure. 

Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched to the scene. 

Upon arrival of the first responding fire engine, smoke was confirmed to be coming from the structure; firefighters initiated a transitional attack, softening the fire from the exterior before breaching a rear access point to gain entry. Fire crews shut off the gas supply to the structure as fire dispatchers contacted utility technicians to attend the scene. A small fire was located and quickly extinguished on the exterior; firefighters performed searches of the structure, confirming there to be no occupants or pets inside and no further extension of the fire. 

There were no injuries to civilian or fire personnel as a result of this incident. A fire investigator is on scene working to identify a cause and determine a damage estimate.