Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

At approximately 2:34 p.m. on April 28, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a controlled burn that had become unmanageable in the area of Highway 16 North and Range Road 3062.

One fire engine, two water tankers, two brush trucks, and one battalion chief have been committed to this incident.

Firefighters are currently working to extinguish a fire that has expanded across a significant area. Water tankers are being used to shuttle and store water until needed for use by the brush trucks. A farmer is assisting in controlling the spread of fire with the use of a tractor.

This incident is ongoing and an update will be provided upon conclusion of the incident or as new information becomes known.

At approximately 9:13 a.m. on April 28, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department was contacted by a concerned citizen reporting an abnormality in the South Saskatchewan River; the caller believed the abnormality to be a possible body in the water. 

One fire engine, two water rescue units, and one battalion chief were dispatched to investigate the concern.

The caller was interviewed on scene and directed fire crews towards an area of River Landing. One firefighter-diver entered the water and dove on the abnormality; the dive produced negative results and it was confirmed that no further investigation of the area would be required.

The water rescue units are now off the water and fire crews have returned to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon.

At approximately 4:19 a.m. on April 28, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call alerting to visible smoke and the smell of fire in the Arbor Creek neighbourhood. The caller patrolled the area while on the line with fire dispatchers, providing an address in the 400 block of Kucey Crescent with a fire burning on the exterior.

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

Upon arrival of the first responding fire engine, the home's occupants had already self-evacuated and the fire had been extinguished with a garden hose. Firefighters pulled open parts of the wall to confirm that the fire had not extended towards the interior of the structure.

A fire investigator has identified the cause to be accidental in nature as a result of the spontaneous combustion of soiled rags. The rags had been soiled with staining product when they were improperly disposed of in a household garbage bin causing them to self-heat and ignite. Damage has been estimated at approximately $4,000. 

After using rags, towels, or other applicators to apply paints, stains, finishing oils, or solvents, members of the public are reminded of safe storage and disposal practices by allowing adequate time for these items to dry in an open-air environment away from other combustible materials; once dry, place them in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid.

Firefighters have concluded their work at the scene of a structure fire involving a hotel that occurred on April 27, 2020 in the 2500 block of 22nd Street West.

A fire investigator continues to analyze evidence, statements, and fire science in working to identify a cause. The structure has been labeled as uninhabitable; damage is estimated at approximately $400,000.

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At approximately 12:19 p.m. on April 27, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a fire in a hotel suite in the 2500 block of 22nd Street West. 

Four fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and support officials were dispatched for immediate response.

Upon arrival of the first responding fire engine, a confirmed working structure fire in a multi-unit hotel complex was observed; two hotel rooms on the second floor were fully involved in fire upon arrival. Firefighters initiated an immediate exterior attack to soften the fire prior to making entry. Simultaneously, fire crews began searches of each room in the hotel. Firefighters assisted six occupants off of a balcony by way of ladders in addition to rescuing one occupant from a first floor room directly below the fire.

One pregnant female occupant who was inside the room of origin at the time had self-evacuated to a safe location; she was medically assessed on scene and later transported to hospital for treatment of what are believed to be minor injuries sustained as a result of the fire.

A fire investigator is beginning to process the scene as fire crews continue overhaul efforts. A cause and damage estimate are not yet available; however, damage to the structure is extensive.

The Saskatoon Police Service is directing traffic through the area as heavy traffic restrictions are in place. This incident is ongoing and an update will be provided upon additional information becoming known. 

At approximately 12:19 p.m. on April 27, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a fire in a hotel suite in the 2500 block of 22nd Street West. 

Four fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and support officials were dispatched for immediate response.

Upon arrival of the first responding fire engine, a confirmed working structure fire in a multi-unit hotel complex was observed; two hotel rooms on the second floor were fully involved in fire upon arrival. Firefighters initiated an immediate exterior attack to soften the fire prior to making entry. Simultaneously, fire crews began searches of each room in the hotel. Firefighters assisted six occupants off of a balcony by way of ladders in addition to rescuing one occupant from a first floor room directly below the fire.

One pregnant female occupant who was inside the room of origin at the time had self-evacuated to a safe location; she was medically assessed on scene and later transported to hospital for treatment of what are believed to be minor injuries sustained as a result of the fire.

A fire investigator is beginning to process the scene as fire crews continue overhaul efforts. A cause and damage estimate are not yet available; however, damage to the structure is extensive.

The Saskatoon Police Service is directing traffic through the area as heavy traffic restrictions are in place. This incident is ongoing and an update will be provided upon additional information becoming known.