Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

A large brush fire south-west of Saskatoon along Strathcona Avenue was brought under control late into the evening on April 16, 2019; the under control was called at around 8:50 p.m., constituting a total burn time of approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes.

In total, seven Fire Engines, three Brush Trucks, two Water Tankers, and several support vehicles were committed to this incident throughout its duration. The Government of Saskatchewan provided support through the Ministry of Environment Wildfire Management Branch, initiating an air attack on the fire using a water bomber aircraft. Additionally, the Meewasin Valley Authority had personnel on scene into the early hours of April 17, 2019 assisting with firefighting efforts and monitoring the Cranberry Flats Conservation Area.

Changing winds and dry conditions challenged the efforts of firefighters; however, fire crews effectively contained the fire and stopped it from spreading to nearby homes, outbuildings, and livestock yards.

There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident. The Saskatoon Fire Department would like to thank members of the public for their accommodation of road closures in the area, as well as our partner agencies who assisted with scene safety and firefighting efforts.

The Saskatoon Fire Department will not be conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire, as the area falls outside of its investigative jurisdiction. A damage estimate will also not be provided.

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At approximately 2:04 this afternoon, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting trees on fire in a yard near Riverside Estates, a rural neighbourhood adjacent to Strathcona Avenue. 

Three Fire Engines, three Brush Trucks, two Water Tankers, two Battalion Chiefs, and two Assistant Chiefs have been dispatched for response. Additional Fire Engines will be dispatched throughout the duration of the incident to relieve fire crews working on scene.

The fire continued to burn past the yard in Riverside Estates and south towards the Cranberry Flats Conservation Area. Fire crews initiated defensive attacks in several areas, protecting homes and livestock from the extending fire. Water Tankers are shuttling water to the site, while Fire Engines and Brush Trucks are being used in firefighting efforts.

A Rehabilitation Unit from the Saskatoon Fire Department has been deployed to the fire scene to aid in fire crew relief. A Safety Officer on scene is continuing to monitor fire crew safety and procedure. The Corman Park Police Service has responded and is assisting with the facilitation of traffic flow through the area. 

Multiple firefighters and fire officials remain on scene in collectively managing this incident, controlling and containing the fire to the affected area. This incident is ongoing and an update will be provided as new information becomes known.

Members of the public are asked to avoid travel through the area and to follow the direction of police on scene.

At approximately 2:04 this afternoon, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting trees on fire in a yard near Riverside Estates, a rural neighbourhood adjacent to Strathcona Avenue. 

Three Fire Engines, three Brush Trucks, two Water Tankers, two Battalion Chiefs, and two Assistant Chiefs have been dispatched for response. Additional Fire Engines will be dispatched throughout the duration of the incident to relieve fire crews working on scene.

The fire continued to burn past the yard in Riverside Estates and south towards the Cranberry Flats Conservation Area. Fire crews initiated defensive attacks in several areas, protecting homes and livestock from the extending fire. Water Tankers are shuttling water to the site, while Fire Engines and Brush Trucks are being used in firefighting efforts.

A Rehabilitation Unit from the Saskatoon Fire Department has been deployed to the fire scene to aid in fire crew relief. A Safety Officer on scene is continuing to monitor fire crew safety and procedure. The Corman Park Police Service has responded and is assisting with the facilitation of traffic flow through the area. 

Multiple firefighters and fire officials remain on scene in collectively managing this incident, controlling and containing the fire to the affected area. This incident is ongoing and an update will be provided as new information becomes known.

Members of the public are asked to avoid travel through the area and to follow the direction of police on scene.

At approximately 2:54 this afternoon, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a person in the water near the Circle Drive Bridge.

Two Fire Engines, one Water Rescue Unit, and one Battalion Chief were dispatched for response. Fire Dispatchers worked with the callers on scene to obtain a description and approximate location of the individual for responding water rescue crews. The Water Rescue Unit deployed one boat onto the river for the retrieval of the lone individual.

The individual was transported to hospital with what are believed to be non-life threatening injuries. The Saskatoon Fire Department has concluded its involvement in this incident.

Saskatoon Fire Department received reports of two vehicle MVC just before four O'clock this afternoon. A passenger van had rolled onto its side with reports of trapped occupants and unknown injuries.

Two Engines, one Heavy Rescue Unit, and a Battalion Chief responded. On arrival, a van was on its side and it was immediately verified by Fire crews that the occupant had self extricated.

There were no reports of injuries from any persons involved.

Fire crews completed fluid and debris clean-up before leaving the scene.

At approximately 12:33 this afternoon the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 9-1-1 call from a passer by reporting a large grass/brush fire near the intersection of Hwy. 14 West and Range Road 3074.  One Engine company, one Brush Truck and one Tanker Truck responded to this area.  Upon leaving city limits the senior officer reported heavy smoke west of the city being blow by a strong South wind gusting to 48 kph.

On arrival the Saskatoon Fire Department crews noted fire crews from neighboring communities of Asquith and Delisle where already working on scene.  All three departments established a mutual aid sectoring the fire into three zones preventing the fire from entering three separate farm yards.  Strong winds continued to blow heavy smoke across Hwy. 14 for several hours reducing viability.  

Currently, the fire is under control with fire operations winding down.  At this time the cause of the fire is unknown and no estimated value has been determined.