Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

The Saskatoon Fire Department knows that working carbon monoxide alarms save lives.

Carbon monoxide alarms are intended to alert you to the possibility of an odourless, colourless, tasteless, and poisonous gas in your home. Be sure to become familiar with the sound of your carbon monoxide alarm.

“Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed outside each sleeping area and are most effective when interconnected throughout your home,” says Fire Chief Morgan Hackl.  

“Test your carbon monoxide alarms monthly, changing the batteries every year or as needed, and the entire alarm should be replaced every seven years or as required.”

Chief Hackl says there are some practical ways to keep your home free of carbon monoxide:

• Ensure gas equipment and appliances are properly installed, maintained, and inspected by a licensed contractor,
• Keep furnace, water heater, chimney vents and pipes free of obstructions, such as leaves, debris or nests and frost, snow, and ice in winter months
• Follow manufacturer directions for proper operation and care of all heating equipment and appliances,
• Only use generators, barbeques and portable propane heaters outside, and
• Never leave a vehicle or fueled engine running while indoors.

Some of the symptoms resulting from prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide include headache, fatigue, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. When undetected and left untreated, carbon monoxide can result in permanent injury or death.

The Saskatoon Fire Department responds to carbon monoxide incidents regularly. Most incidents involving carbon monoxide are quickly mitigated; however, some do require additional resources or action.

Chief Hackl says the Saskatoon Fire Department has about 140 primary care paramedics. Each fire engine responds with at least one firefighter-paramedic and comes equipped with a carbon monoxide monitor capable of determining the parts-per-million (PPM) concentration of carbon monoxide present in the air.

“Firefighter-paramedics can also measure the carboxyhemoglobin level in the blood of a patient experiencing the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning,” Hackl says. “They use a non-invasive medical assessment tool at the scene and immediately begin appropriate treatment based on that assessment.”

In 2018, the Saskatoon Fire Department responded to 274 carbon monoxide incidents. By mid-July, the number of carbon monoxide incidents in 2019 was 126. Carbon monoxide incidents account for approximately two per cent of all incidents that the Saskatoon Fire Department responds to.

If your carbon monoxide alarm is sounding or if you believe you are experiencing the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning, evacuate all occupants and pets from the home and immediately call 911.

In an emergency, seconds count; a functioning carbon monoxide alarm can be the difference in preventing a tragedy in your home.

The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes to advise members of the public of a closed family function with Brayden Schenn of the St. Louis Blues and the Stanley Cup that is occurring at Fire Station No. 1 on Friday, July 5, 2019.

Restrictions will be in place at Fire Station No. 1 for the duration of this function and members of the public will not be provided entry.

It is requested that consideration is given to the wishes of the Schenn family, allowing Brayden time to celebrate with his dad, Acting Battalion Chief Jeff Schenn, among friends and family.

The fire station remains open for administrative and operational purposes.

In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

At approximately 1040 this evening Saskatoon Fire Department responded to a fully involved shed fire at the rear of 216 Ave F S. Fire was quickly extinguished by fire personnel.  There was a small extension onto a neighboring shed which was also quickly extinguished. Crew was on scene for close to an hour doing overhaul and extinguishing hot spots. A Fire investigator was called to the scene and was still determining a cause and getting a damage estimate

At approximately 2 am this morning, The Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a fire in the basement in a house at 204 Ave. E South. Three Engine Company's, an Aerial Ladder, a Rescue Engine and a Battalion Chief responded. Crews made a quick interior offensive attack and extinguished the fire. A search was conducted and there were no occupants found in the home. 

There were no injuries as a result of the fire.

There was a Fire Investigator called out to the scene. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Damage estimated at $50,000

The Saskatoon Fire Department would like to remind residents and visitors of safe practices for purchasing, enjoying, and disposing of fireworks. This Canada Day, Monday, July 1^st, 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 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 Canada Day 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 happy Canada Day, eh!