Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Saskatoon News Releases
Structure Fire - 400 Block of Avenue R South
May 6, 2022 - 3:19 pm
On May 6, 2022 at 5:44 a.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a report of a structure fire in the 400 block of Avenue R South. Dispatched to the scene were three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief. On arrival, the first arriving fire crew reported heavy smoke showing from the structure. All incoming fire crews were assigned tactical duties. An exterior attack on the fire was initiated immediately. A hydrant was connected and a safety officer was appointed at the fire scene. Utilities were shut down and utility companies were requested to attend to enhance scene safety. An interior attack of the fire was initiated and the Fire Investigator was notified to attend. This fire was brought under control at 7:15 a.m.
At 7:30 a.m., the SFD Incident Commander began transferring the scene over to our Fire Investigator. A cause and origin scene examination was conducted. The Fire Investigator has determined this fire is suspicious, caused approximately $120,000 to the structure, and two points of origin were identified. Saskatoon Police Service investigator was not able to attend. The information will be forwarded as soon as practical for the Police Service's follow up. If you have any information relating to this fire, please call the Saskatoon Police Service at (306) 975-8300.
notifynow alert system to test Saskatoon’s emergency preparedness
May 3, 2022 - 7:00 am
- SMS text message
- Voice call to a landline
- Voice call to a cell phone
Saskatoon residents are expected to receive a notifynow test alert on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.
The City of Saskatoon’s public safety alert program, notifynow, is used to notify the public in real-time of a public safety situation. The municipal emergency alert system will be tested at 1:00 p.m. as part of Emergency Preparedness Week.
“Generally, notifynow alerts are only issued when there is an impending, escalating or occurring emergency situation in the city and immediate action needs to be taken,” explains Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Management. “Testing the system allows us to ensure the system works as expected.”
In the event of an impending or escalating public safety concern, notifynow will be used to send out a message to subscribers. When signing up, subscribers have the option of receiving messages by:
Subscribers can choose one communication method or all of them.
“We really encourage residents to create an account and provide their contact information for text, email and phone for up to five locations in Saskatoon,” says Goulden-McLeod. “It’s also important for residents to check their profile on notifynow and make sure their information is up to date.”
The national emergency alerting system, Alert Ready, will also be tested Canada-wide on Wednesday, May 4, at 1:55 p.m. The Alert Ready test message will be sent via TV, radio, and compatible wireless devices.
For additional information about Saskatoon’s alert system, visit saskatoon.ca/notifynow.
Saskatoon Fire Department celebrates Emergency Preparedness Week
May 2, 2022 - 7:00 am
- Know the risks – Every community can have different risks. What are the risks for your home, your business, and when you are travelling? Knowing the risks and how to respond are part of being prepared.
- Make a plan – Develop an emergency plan tailored to your family, or your business/workplace. How will you get in touch with each other? Where is the list of emergency phone numbers? Where do you need to go if you need to evacuate your home or business/workplace?
- Get an emergency kit – During an emergency, we will all need some basic supplies. We may need to get by without power or tap water. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours in an emergency.
- Follow trustworthy sources on social media – Examples include Saskatoon Fire Department, Saskatoon Police Service and Saskatoon Emergency Management.
- Sign up for notifynow messages – When a public safety concern arises, notifynow sends public safety messages to residents of Saskatoon via telephone, email or text message with important information on what to do, where to go and what to expect.
Emergency Preparedness Week (May 1-7, 2022) is an annual event held across Canada that encourages Canadians to take concrete actions to be better prepared to protect themselves and their families during emergencies. This year’s theme, Be Prepared for Anything emphasizes the importance of planning for the unexpected.
Natural disasters may be beyond our control, but there are ways to reduce the risk and the impact of whatever emergency we might face. Residents and business owners are encouraged to join the Saskatoon Fire Department’s Emergency Management Organization (EMO) in becoming prepared.
"For the last two years our focus has been responding to a global pandemic but our work to prepare and respond to other risks in our community has never stopped," explains Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Emergency Management. "Emergency events can occur at any time. Preparing for an emergency in your home, when you are travelling and in your community is part of taking care of yourself, your family and your community. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s the importance of emergency preparedness and responding as a whole community. By taking a few simple steps and being proactive, you can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies."
In order to be prepared, the Saskatoon Fire Department encourages residents to:
For additional information about emergency preparedness, visit: saskatoon.ca/emo.
Fire Department to move forward with demolition of 314 2nd Avenue South
April 27, 2022 - 2:01 pm
- Immediately fence off adjacent sidewalk or parking/driving lanes
- Apply for a demolition permit by February 28, 2022
- Disconnect utility services by February 28, 2022
- Apply to have utility services abandoned/retired by March 15, 2022
- Have the appropriate utility company abandon/retire utility services by April 15, 2022
- Demolish the structure by April 15, 2022. An extension until April 22, 2022 was provided.
- Clear the site of rubble, debris or refuse by August 31, 2022
- 2002 – The Fire Inspector at the time identified the interior of the building was dismantled and there were significant structural concerns.
- 2015 – An engineering inspection reported repairs would put the building into a temporary state of “stable condition,” but a permanent plan was deemed necessary.
- 2016 – The SFD did not receive a permanent rehabilitation plan. With no plan in place, SFD was obligated to issue an order in October 2016 requiring another structural assessment with a permanent plan for the structure.
- 2018 – A second engineering assessment occurred in January 2018 confirming the building required repairs to keep the structure stable in the short-term but required a reassessment every three months to monitor its stability. SFD received no further engineering assessments from the owner.
- 2020 – On January 17, SFD issued a demolition order and after that date worked with the property owner and Building Standards to allow the owner a demolition permit.
- 2018 – A firefighter experienced a dangerous near miss when responding to a fire inside the building. The firefighter almost fell into the basement through a hole on the main floor, which was the result of temporary work done to the structure.
- 2020 – A caller to 911 reported loose bricks falling from the exterior of the building, nearly missing a cyclist on the ground roughly three stories below. A temporary repair was put in place by an engineer to prevent the bricks from falling.
Out of concern for public safety, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) will be moving forward with the demolition of 314 2nd Avenue South, formerly known as the Continental Hotel. The demolition of the building will commence today.
A demolition order was issued by SFD back in February 2022. According to the order, “The structure is not being maintained in accordance with Bylaw 8175, The Property Maintenance & Nuisance Abatement for the City of Saskatoon and it constitutes an immediate risk to the life and safety of people in the neighbourhood as well as safety of nearby property. Further, the property owner has failed to remedy this risk over multiple years.”
In February, the owner was directed to:
As of April 26, 2022 the structure was still standing with imminent risk and safety concerns.
“We respect the owner’s wishes of wanting to preserve remnants of the building, but it is also our duty to ensure public safety,” says Assistant Chief Yvonne Raymer. “The building is beyond repair. It is currently at risk of a partial or full collapse, which is a significant safety risk. The cost to restore its structural integrity exceeds the replacement cost of the structure, which means demolition is the final and only reasonable course of action.”
SFD has had a long history with the building dating back to 2002.
In more recent years, the SFD has become increasingly concerned about hazards to the public, firefighters or other emergency personnel.
The SFD is aware of the building’s history and past discoveries of historical interest related to the property; however, 314, 2nd Avenue South is not included on the Saskatoon Register of Historic Places.
The building will be demolished through the SFD Demolition and Property Remediation Process. SFD is hiring a contractor to complete the demolition. Currently, all dismantling of the building has been immediately ceased and the site is being cleared of all equipment and staff. Costs incurred by the demolition will be charged back to the property taxes.
Structure Fire - 1100 Block of Hargreaves Avenue
April 22, 2022 - 4:38 pm
At 3:27 p.m. on April 22, 2022, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a report of an attached garage to a home on fire in the 1100 Block of Hargreaves Avenue. Dispatched were three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief. First arriving fire crews reported seeing smoke from the garage. All incoming crews were assigned tactical duties. Natural gas and electrical service were shut off for safety reasons. Crew initiated extinguishment through a door serving the garage. Fire Investigator was dispatched to the scene. Fire crews knocked down the fire and checked for hot spots and extension of fire in the attic. This fire was quickly brought under control. Fire crews are packing up equipment and returning to their respective stations where they will clean and decontaminate equipment; restock and repack fire engines and trucks.
No one was home at the time of the fire. No injuries to civilians or firefighters occurred as a result of this fire.
SFD's Incident Commander is in the process of turning the scene over to our Fire Investigator. The fire scene examination for this fire will begin shortly. An update with details will be provided once the fire investigation has been concluded.
Saskatoon Fire Department to break ground for new fire station
April 21, 2022 - 1:30 pm
Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) will be breaking ground for a state-of-the-art fire station along Preston Avenue, near 108th Street. The new station will replace the 56-year-old Fire Station No. 5 currently located on Central Avenue in Sutherland.
The relocation comes as a result of a review of SFD’s operations in 2014 that led to the development of a new service model to improve the fire service’s travel times across the city. The model aims to ensure SFD’s delivery of services is done in the most effective and efficient way possible as the City keeps an eye on the future and how to provide emergency response service to a city of half a million residents.
“The new location was selected with the aim of increasing both safety and efficiency,” says Fire Chief Morgan Hackl. "Computer-generated mapping revealed that relocating Station No. 5 closer to the intersection of College Drive and Preston Avenue will put our fire service in a better position to meet the four-minute travel time set out by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and better utilize resources.”
With the relocation of Station No. 3 in 2018 and now Station No. 5, Hackl says a tenth fire station once earmarked for Stonebridge won’t be necessary – saving the City $6 million in construction costs and $3 million each year in operating costs.
Once fully commissioned, the 10,000 square foot (930 square metre), two-storey fire station will be equipped with two bays that will house one operational fire engine and another two reserve apparatus. The station will be staffed with a fire crew consisting of up to two firefighter-paramedics, two firefighters and one officer, 24 hours per day. An additional two Fire Inspectors will also be present during daytime hours.
Another goal of the new Station No. 5 is to strengthen neighbourhood amenities for the wider community.
“As the city grows, our Fire Department has done important work to reorganize our fire stations,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “This helps ensure we can keep our growing neighbourhoods protected in a way that efficiently uses our resources over the long term. This new Fire Station is an example of that. The University has been a great partner in getting this built and we continue to work closely with the University community. This is a great day.”
The building will be furnished with a shared cultural space intended for SFD initiatives, civic departments and the University of Saskatchewan. When available, the shared space will be open to public bookings for community groups.
“We are proud to continue to work in partnership with the City of Saskatoon on a wide variety of projects that help to serve and to give back to the vibrant community that we are all a part of,” says University of Saskatchewan President Peter Stoicheff. “The establishment of this new fire station is the latest development in the successful co-operation and collaboration between the city and the university and reinforces our commitment to community, including our Indigenous partners and friends. As we celebrate this important step forward for the city, it is important to recognize that this fire station will be located on Treaty 6 territory and the Homeland of the Métis.”
The new station will be operational by the summer of 2023, at which time the current station on Central Avenue will be decommissioned.
For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/FireStation5.
Update for structure fire in the 300 Block of Avenue Q South
April 21, 2022 - 10:38 am
The fire investigation has concluded and the cause of the fire was determined to be suspicious. Damage is estimated to the structure at $275,000. The investigation has been turned over to our partners at the Saskatoon Police Service for their follow up. If anyone has information relating to this fire, information can be provided to the Police at 306-975-8300.
Update for Structure Fire - 400 Block Avenue E South
April 21, 2022 - 10:31 am
The Fire Investigation has concluded for the fire that occurred in the 400 Block of Avenue E South. Cause of the fire was determined to be accidental from improper disposal of smoldering incense in a waste basket. Fire originated in a 3rd floor bedroom and damage is estimated to be $5000.
The Saskatoon Fire Department would like to provide a friendly reminder to "wet" smoldering material such as matches, incense, cigarettes or any other smoldering material prior to disposal.
Structure Fire - 300 Block Avenue Q South
April 20, 2022 - 11:27 pm
The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a report of flames coming from a window of a structure in the 300 Block of Avenue Q South on April 20, 2022 at 10:24 p.m. Dispatched to the reported fire were three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief. First arriving crew reported flames showing from a fourplex structure fully involved in fire. An exterior attack on the fire was initiated by the fire crews. All incoming fire crews were assigned tactical duties. The side of the fourplex where fire is located had a boarded door and window. Fire crews breached the boarded window in order to access visible flames behind the board. Entrance to the fire through the boarded door was made at 10:37 p.m. Interior attack on the fire was initiated immediately at this point. Fire crews identified multiple broken windows in the structure during their extinguishment with heavy smoke coming. At 10:45 p.m. smoke was showing from the attic. At 10:52 p.m., consideration by the incident commander was that the structure was starting to soften. All four suites were being completed of a search by fire crews for occupants. This fire was brought under control at 11:09 p.m. No structural collapse occurred during this fire.
Fire Investigator was dispatched and responded from previous fire on Ave E South.
Fire crews remain on the scene at this time to check there are no fire extensions or hot spots at this time. No injuries to civilians or firefighters are reported at this time.
An update to cause, origin and damage estimate will be provided as soon as practical.
Structure Fire - 400 Block Avenue E South
April 20, 2022 - 10:08 pm
At 9:14 p.m. on April 20, 2022, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a report of a fire inside a structure. Dispatched to the scene were three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief. On arrival at 9:18 p.m., the first arriving fire crew reported no visible signs of fire from the exterior. Upon entering the structure, the fire crews found a small fire on the third floor of the structure. Using a pump tank with a hose line as a back up, they extinguished the fire using the water pump tank and not the hose line. Fire crews searched the home for fire extension and occupants. Two occupants had evacuated prior to our fire crew arrival. No other fires or fire extension were found from the original small fire on the third floor. All occupants had evacuated. A Fire Investigator was dispatched to the scene. Fire crews ventilated the home of smoke at 9:27 p.m.
Fire crews are returning to their respective stations and packing up equipment while preparing to turn the fire scene over to the Fire Investigator who is still enroute. An update for the cause, origin and damage estimate will be released as soon as practical.
No injuries to firefighters or civilians occurred as a result of this fire.