Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

At approximately 8:58 p.m. on September 11, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a possible structure fire in a multi-unit apartment building on the 2000 block of 20th Street West. The response included four fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief. It was reported that multiple persons remained inside.

Arriving on scene in three minutes, firefighters immediately observed an occupant requiring rescue from a third level window; ground ladders were positioned to assist this person to safety. Most other occupants were confirmed to have self-evacuated from the burning building. Simultaneously additional fire crews entered the building, locating and performing a quick attack on flames enveloping a common stairwell; the commanding fire officer considered the fire to be under control within about 30 minutes from the time of fire dispatchers receiving the first 911 call. While conducting thorough searches of the building, two occupants were located and evacuated by firefighters from a below-grade unit. Fire crews forced entry into multiple areas of the building to confirm no other occupants or pets remained inside. No injuries to civilian or fire personnel occurred as a result of this incident. Overhaul and ventilation efforts were performed prior to a fire investigator taking command of the scene. 

Due to extensive fire damage, the building has been closed and secured by the Saskatoon Fire Department. Firefighters re-entered the building to retrieve salvageable personal items, including medications and keys, for displaced occupants. The district fire inspector will work with the property owner to ensure compliance through remediation efforts. Of the 11 occupied units in the building, the Saskatoon Fire Department can confirm six occupants from four units were assisted by the Canadian Red Cross in Saskatchewan. 

A fire investigator is in the process of conducting a scene examination to identify a cause, origin, and damage estimate. An update will be provided upon conclusion of the investigative findings.

On August 25, 2017, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced the formal establishment of a Firefighters’ National Memorial Day in recognition of the dangers firefighters often face and the ultimate sacrifice of those who have given their lives in the line of duty.

Each year, the second Sunday in September is designated in memory of firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty; this year, September 13, 2020 will mark this day. Recognition of this day is warmly received by families across Canada who have lost loved ones through the courageous and selfless fulfillment of their duties.

The Saskatoon Fire Department will observe a moment of silence at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2020; firefighters will be at attention on the ramps of their stations, flags to half-mast, in honour of this day.

At approximately 8:23 a.m. on September 10, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department along with the Saskatoon Police Service responded to reports of a motor vehicle collision on Millar Avenue near 43rd Street East; it was reported that one occupant remained trapped inside one of the two vehicles involved. Two fire engines, one rescue unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response.

Arriving in about three minutes, firefighters accessed the collision scene and made contact with the occupant that remained trapped in their vehicle; they were observed to be uninjured but otherwise unable to exit the vehicle. In less than 10 minutes from the time of the first fire engine arriving on scene, fire crews had stabilized the vehicle and competed the extrication process. There were no injuries to any of the involved parties or fire department personnel as a result of this incident. 

Firefighters have since cleared the scene and returned to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon and area.

A fire investigator has concluded on scene of a structure fire that occurred early this morning, September 9, 2020, in the 1800 block of 20th Street West; this fire was identified as incendiary with damage estimated at about $25,000.

The Saskatoon Fire Department reminds members of the public to report non-emergent suspicious activity to the Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300; in an emergency, call 911 immediately.

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At approximately 1:44 a.m. on September 9, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a residential structure on fire in the 1800 block of 20th Street West. 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 in about four minutes to find a boarded-up residential structure with flames visible from the front. Immediately deploying hose lines, fire crews initiated an exterior attack on the fire prior to making entry to continue extinguishment from the interior; the fire was brought under control within 10 minutes from the time of the first fire engine arriving on scene. Fire dispatchers notified the appropriate utility technicians to attend the scene as utilities servicing the structure were required to be shut down. A thermal imaging camera was used to conduct searches of the structure where it was confirmed that no occupants or pets were inside and no further extension of the fire occurred; there were also no injuries as a result.

Upon completing ventilation of the structure, firefighters left the scene with fire and police investigators to begin an examination and gather evidence.

The fire investigator has concluded on scene, identifying this fire to be incendiary with damage estimated at approximately $50,000. 

The fire investigator credits responding firefighters for their prompt action and instinctive training in quickly containing a challenging fire situation; the investigation into this incident revealed hoarding-like conditions inside the structure, impacting access, safety, and extinguishment strategies on scene. 

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At around 12:42 a.m. on September 9, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple reports of smoke exiting a structure in the 200 block of 33rd Street West. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief responded.

Arriving on scene in less than three minutes, fire crews found visible smoke coming from a small, boarded-up mixed-use residential/commercial structure. Firefighters breached entry to the property grounds through a rear chain-linked fence before also breaching entry to the structure itself through a rear door. Inside, firefighters were met with heavy, dark smoke and mild heat conditions; maneuvering through a significant amount of debris and clutter, fire crews located and extinguished a fire in the basement within 30 minutes from the time of the first fire engine arriving on scene. An extensive search of the structure confirmed there to be no occupants, pets, or further extension of the fire; there were no injuries as a result. 

Ventilation of the structure was completed prior to fire crews concluding on scene and returning to their stations to continue proudly serving Saskatoon and area.

This incident remains under investigation with both fire and police investigators.

At approximately 1:44 a.m. on September 9, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a residential structure on fire in the 1800 block of 20th Street West. 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 in about four minutes to find a boarded-up residential structure with flames visible from the front. Immediately deploying hose lines, fire crews initiated an exterior attack on the fire prior to making entry to continue extinguishment from the interior; the fire was brought under control within 10 minutes from the time of the first fire engine arriving on scene. Fire dispatchers notified the appropriate utility technicians to attend the scene as utilities servicing the structure were required to be shut down. A thermal imaging camera was used to conduct searches of the structure where it was confirmed that no occupants or pets were inside and no further extension of the fire occurred; there were also no injuries as a result.

Upon completing ventilation of the structure, firefighters left the scene with fire and police investigators to begin an examination and gather evidence.

At around 12:42 a.m. on September 9, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple reports of smoke exiting a structure in the 200 block of 33rd Street West. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief responded.

Arriving on scene in less than three minutes, fire crews found visible smoke coming from a small, boarded-up mixed-use residential/commercial structure. Firefighters breached entry to the property grounds through a rear chain-linked fence before also breaching entry to the structure itself through a rear door. Inside, firefighters were met with heavy, dark smoke and mild heat conditions; maneuvering through a significant amount of debris and clutter, fire crews located and extinguished a fire in the basement within 30 minutes from the time of the first fire engine arriving on scene. An extensive search of the structure confirmed there to be no occupants, pets, or further extension of the fire; there were no injuries as a result. 

Ventilation of the structure was completed prior to fire crews concluding on scene and returning to their stations to continue proudly serving Saskatoon and area.

This incident remains under investigation with both fire and police investigators.

At around 5:34 p.m. on September 8, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department was alerted to a single motor vehicle collision involving an overturned vehicle and the possibility of entrapment. One fire engine, one rescue unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for immediate response. 

Arriving on scene in just over four minutes, firefighters accessed the collision scene and made contact with the patient trapped inside of the overturned vehicle. Upon assessing the situation, firefighters began preparing the patient and vehicle for the extrication process; using hydraulic rescue tools, the roof of the vehicle was partially removed and the patient was successfully freed by about 6:02 p.m..

Fire crews performed debris clean-up before concluding on scene and returning to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon and surrounding area. 

At approximately 1:34 p.m. on September 8, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a single attached garage on fire in the 200 block of Henick Crescent; the caller reported all three occupants to be out of the attached residential structure but one large dog remained inside. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief responded.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find visible flames on the front right exterior corner of the garage. In less than 10 minutes from the time of fire dispatchers receiving the 911 call, fire crews had extinguished the flames and confirmed there to be no further extension inwards. The large dog was located uninjured on the second level of the residential structure and was reunited with its owners.

A fire investigator has identified this fire to be accidental as a result of the careless disposal of smoking materials. Members of the public are advised to dispose of smoking materials in a metal, ceramic, or glass container with a tight-fitting lid and enough sand or water at the bottom to cover the discarded smoking materials. The container should have enough weight that it can not be easily tipped over or moved by weather conditions. Damage has been estimated at about $10,000. Smoking material fires are preventable fires; be sure to properly put it out.

The Saskatoon Fire Department would like to remind residents and visitors of safe practices for purchasing, enjoying, and disposing of fireworks. This Labour Day, Monday, September 7th, low-hazard fireworks can only be discharged on private property between the hours of dusk and 11:00 p.m.

Low-hazard fireworks are designed for public recreational use and include roman candles and sparklers, among others, and travel less than 50m (160ft) high.

High-hazard fireworks are designed for professionals and can only be purchased by persons holding a valid Fireworks Supervisor – Level I or Level II card issued by Natural Resources Canada.

Residents and visitors are reminded of the risks and obligations associated with fireworks:

• Carefully read and follow the manufacturer instructions,
• Exercise increased caution when handling and discharging any type of firework,
• Choose your location wisely, noting that fireworks can only be discharged on private property,
• Ensure your location is free of overhead obstructions, is clear side-to-side, and is a safe distance from combustible materials,
• Familiarize yourself with the space requirements for the type of firework being discharged; requirements vary depending on the firework type,
• Be sure to properly stabilize the firework according to manufacturer direction, and
• Keep in mind that you are solely responsible for any debris that may land on your spectators or another’s property.

After dusk, when you are ready to discharge the fireworks, ensure that it is not windy and that all spectators are safely located to observe the display. Remember to always light the fuse at its tip; other than sparklers, never light or hold a lit firework in your hand. Always have a water supply available when discharging fireworks.

Wait at least 30 minutes before beginning the clean-up process. At that time, it’s a good idea to dispose of used fireworks and debris in a pail of water. Never try to relight or fix the fuse on fireworks that didn’t go off.

Always be extremely careful when discharging fireworks. The debris or smoldering embers could cause injuries, property damage, and/or fires.

Currently, there is no fire ban in effect for the City of Saskatoon; for residents and visitors in surrounding communities, please consult your rural municipality for information specific to your area. If you choose to celebrate Labour Day by sending off your own fireworks, remember to follow all recommended safety practices and comply with public health orders, including physical distancing measures and public gathering restrictions relative to COVID-19.

The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Labour Day!