Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Saskatoon News Releases
Fire Station No. 4 – Precautionary self-isolation ends
March 14, 2020 - 1:30 pm
On March 12, 2020 at approximately 4:00 p.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department in consultation with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, migrated our four firefighters from a self-isolation state to self-monitoring. Self- monitoring is required for 14 days after any risk of exposure. There are no restrictions on attending work or schools but an individual must avoid crowded spaces and vulnerable people. In addition, individuals must watch for new symptoms and be continuously tracking their body temperature.
The Saskatoon Fire Department had been in close communication with the four staff members who had self-isolated inside Fire Station No. 4 over an 18-hour period. The decision to remain in the station was jointly agreed upon by the staff members involved and Fire Department management. During this time, the fire station was closed to outside access and contingency plans were activated to maintain response coverage from a secondary location in the district.
The Saskatoon Fire Department continues to assess the COVID-19 pandemic through the guidance of the Emergency Management Organization and through the leadership of the Saskatchewan Health Authority. As a front-line emergency service, we are committed to a high level of planning and preparedness to maintain continued response in proudly serving the residents and visitors of Saskatoon.
The four staff members who were in isolation returned to duty for the start of their next scheduled shifts and the fire station has been placed back into service.
Factual and up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Saskatchewan can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/coronavirus.
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Fire Station No. 4 – Precautionary Quarantine
March 12, 2020 - 9:07 am
The Saskatoon Fire Department confirms that Fire Station No. 4 is under a precautionary quarantine.
At approximately 10:02 p.m. on March 11, 2020, one fire engine responded to a medical call for a patient experiencing shortness of breath. It became known that the patient was to be tested for COVID-19.
The quarantine of four staff members is a precautionary measure and will remain in effect until COVID-19 test results can be obtained and reviewed for the patient that was being treated.
There will not be any disruption to the Saskatoon Fire Department's response model as a result of this precautionary measure.
In an emergency, call 911 immediately.
2 Vehicle MVC at College Dr and Preston Ave
March 11, 2020 - 9:50 pm
On March 11, 2020 at approximately 7:27 p.m. The Saskatoon Fire Department received a 9-1-1 call reporting a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of College Dr and Preston Ave north. The initial report indicated the occupants may be trapped in the vehicles. The fire department responded with 1 engine company, 1 rescue company and 1 battalion chief. Crews arrived to find two vehicles involved with a total of 5 people occupying them. Fire crews were able to quickly assess the situation and gain access to the patients without the use of rescue tools. Fire paramedics completed patient assessments and were able to remove the patients from the vehicles before they were transported to hospital for further treatment.
The extent of the injuries were not believed to be serious, and the cause of the accident is undetermined at this time.
Announcement: Yvonne Raymer appointed to Assistant Chief
March 10, 2020 - 10:43 am
The Saskatoon Fire Department is uniquely pleased to announce the appointment of Yvonne Raymer to the rank of Assistant Chief – Public Relations & Community Risk Reduction.
Yvonne started her career with the Saskatoon Fire Department in 1995 serving citizens in the administrative office. In 1997, she obtained a position as a fire dispatcher where she gained operational experience, knowledge of protocols and rural agreements, and an understanding of departmental emergency response. A decade later, in 2007, Yvonne transferred into the Fire Prevention & Investigation section as a Fire Inspector where she went on to attain Fire Investigation Level IV certification.
She has extensive knowledge of the National Building Code, National Fire Code, Fire Safety Act, Cities Act, as well as the Property Maintenance Bylaw. Further, she has fostered strong working relationships with community members and elected officials, bringing great value to our City.
Yvonne is the first female in the history of the Saskatoon Fire Department to receive the appointment of a chief officer rank. She will begin serving Saskatoon in her new capacity from the Office of the Fire Chief effective April 1, 2020.
Congratulations, Chief Raymer, and thank-you for sharing your success with that of the fire service!
Storage tank fire at the Nutrien Vanscoy Potash Operation
March 8, 2020 - 6:16 am
At 22:20, March 7th, 2020 The Saskatoon Fire Department received a request from the R.M. of Montrose Fire Dept. for assistance in dealing with a fire at the Nutrien Vanscoy Potash Operation at 16 Agrium Rd, Vanscoy. The initial request was for Hazmat support and consultation in dealing with a chemical fire that involve 3 tanks. Hazmat 7 was dispatched at approximately 20:32 and reported to Incident Command on site.
Hazmat 7 assisted with developing an Incident Action Plan and it was determined that 2 Engines with master stream capability would be a starting point for gaining control of the fire and protecting nearby structures. The 2 Engines were added to the dispatch at 00:15 and remained on scene until the operation scaled back. At approx. 05:00 the SFD was released from the scene, however the incident is still ongoing.
A damage estimate has not been given and there were no reported injuries due to this incident. Complete product descriptions and amounts are not available at the time of this release.