Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

The Saskatoon Fire Department would like to remind residents and visitors of safe practices for purchasing, enjoying, and disposing of fireworks. This New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, December 31^st, low-hazard fireworks can only be discharged on private property between the hours of dusk on New Year’s Eve and 12:15 a.m. on New Year’s Day.

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 Saskatoon. It’s always recommended that residents and visitors celebrate at public firework displays that are hosted by a trusted organization; however, if you choose to celebrate New Year’s Eve by sending off your own fireworks, please follow all safety practices and only send them off within the specified time frame.

The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable New Year’s Eve!

At 11:25 pm, December 25^th a tenant returned home to find two small fires in his house. He alerted the Saskatoon Fire Department and indicated that one of the other tenants was unaccounted for. Three Engines, one Ladder Truck, one Rescue Unit, and one Battalion Chief were dispatched and arrived on scene in approximately 4 minutes.

The first arriving crew noted smoke coming from a side door and initiated an interior attack, a second crew was directed to back them up and a third to begin a search. Fire crews used a thermal imaging camera to perform searches of each room in the house, confirming there to be no further extension of the fire, as well as no remaining occupants or pets. Ventilation was conducted to clear the house of smoke and carbon monoxide. The fire was controlled within 30 minutes of the first arriving fire crew.

Upon exiting the house, fire crews performed a gross decontamination of their gear to minimize the effect of toxins. 

Utilities were disconnected for safety of Firefighters and utility technicians were called to the scene to re-establish services.

A Fire and Police Investigators are on scene to determine the cause. A damage estimate has not been given and there were no reported injuries due to this incident.

The holidays are a time of celebration and cheer; with traditions and gatherings filling the homes of many, the Saskatoon Fire Department reminds residents to be mindful of fire safety in and around their homes when decking the halls.

Candles:

Many people choose to use candles year-round; however, the holiday season tends to bring an increase in the number of households lighting candles as part of their holiday tradition or as a decorative addition to their home. Whatever the purpose, always be sure to put the candle out when you are not around to enjoy it. Unattended candles have the potential to make your holiday not so merry and bright. Take the time to consider where you are placing your candle and what combustible materials may be around. Additionally, battery-powered candles can provide a realistic glow while reducing the risk of a fire in your home. 

Cooking:

Holiday meals and seasonal baking are must-haves each year; however, the Saskatoon Fire Department reminds the head-chefs, top bakers, and those aspiring to be to remain present while cooking and/or baking this holiday season. Stay in the kitchen, focused and alert on your task, to prevent unintentionally inviting the Saskatoon Fire Department to your home for a burnt offering this holiday season. For meals that may take additional time to cook and/or prepare, the use of a timer can act as a reminder in monitoring your meal.

The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes all a safe holiday season; from our halls to yours, happy holidays!

In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

At 01:17 this morning, Saskatoon Fire Department received reports of flames showing from a two-story house on the 1600 Block of Avenue C North. Three Engines, one Ladder Truck, one Rescue Unit, and one Battalion Chief responded. The first Engine arrived on scene in three and one-half minutes.

Flames were on the exterior, second level, rear of the home. The house was boarded up and appeared vacant. The crew laid an attack hose line and immediately extinguished the flames, preventing further fire extension to the interior. Once the fire was extinguished, the initial crew now backed up by firefighters with a second hose line, entered the structure to verify there were no occupants inside and extinguish any hotspots inside the walls and ceiling.

Utilities had to be disconnected for safety of Firefighters due to an arcing power line at the rear of the house. Saskatoon Light and Power were on scene very quickly to assist with de-energizing and disconnecting the line. 

A Fire Investigator is on scene with Police to determine the cause. A damage estimate has not been given and there were no reported injuries due to this incident.

Just before lunch, at 11:34, Saskatoon Fire Department responded to a three vehicle collision at 8th Street and Cumberland Avenue. Two Engines and one Rescue Unit responded.

The first Engine arrived on scene in less than four minutes. The crew ensured a safe work area due to high traffic flowing by the scene. As soon as it was verified there were not any trapped or severely injured occupants, the second Engine and Rescue Unit downgraded their response while enroute, so traffic flow was not unnecessarily disrupted.

Fire crews ensured there were no hazards to occupants or emergency workers on scene, then cleaned up any remaining debris and leaking fluids.

Saskatoon Fire Department would like to remind people to continue to drive safely and consider increased caution when passing emergency workers.

Happy Holiday Season to All!