Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

At approximately 9:53 this morning, the Saskatoon Fire Department and the Emergency Measures Organization responded to reports of a hazardous materials exposure at Parkridge Centre, located at 110 Gropper Crescent.

One Fire Engine, one Haz-Mat Unit, one Decontamination Unit, one Battalion Chief, and a Mobile Command Unit were initially dispatched to the scene. Fire Dispatchers identified for responding fire crews that the reported hazardous material involved was chlorine gas, a toxic and corrosive material.

Upon arrival, fire crews shut down the building's ventilation system to isolate the exposure. It was determined that the chlorine gas was the result of an error in procedure when mixing chlorine powder with water; it is believed to have been accidental in nature. Technicians from the Haz-Mat Unit tested the air quality in a number of locations potentially open to exposure and found a maximum reading of 0.2 parts-per-million (PPM) in one area, a minimal level for concern. 

A hazardous materials clean-up was conducted and one Aerial Ladder Truck later responded to the scene to ventilate and restore the air quality in the building.

Two civilians, both employees of the Parkridge Centre, were assessed on scene and declined transport to hospital. It is believed that both will consult a physician later today. 

A Safety Officer from the Saskatoon Fire Department was on scene monitoring fire crew safety and procedures. There was no environmental risk as a result of this exposure. Fire crews have now concluded their duties in relation to this incident.

House Fire at 613 Avenue H South causes house next door to ignite.

At 12:33 this afternoon The Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a house was on fire at 613 Avenue H South. 

Three Engines an Aerial Ladder a Heavy Rescue Truck and a Battalion Chief were dispatched to the scene.

First arriving crews arrived in four minutes and found a single storey residential home with smoke and flames visible from the right side of the structure causing the vacant two storey home next door at 611 Ave H south to ignite. Fire command requested an additional Engine to assist with the attack.  Crews used attack hose lines on the visible flames while other crews prepared to enter the home at 613 to search for trapped occupants.  Once inside the home a thorough rescue search was conducted while continuing to extinguish areas involved in fire.  The initial fire was brought under control in ten minutes.  No occupants were found in either of the homes.

Portions of the walls and roof were removed from both homes while crews worked to extinguish any remaining hot spots and later used ventilation fans to clear the remaining smoke.

There were no injuries reported as a result of this fire.

A Fire Investigation Unit was called to the scene and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation. 

Damages are estimated at $150,000 for 613 Ave. H S. and $80,000 for 611 Ave.H S.

House Fire at 311 Avenue S South

At 10:04 The Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a house was on fire at 311 Avenue S South. 

Three Engines an Aerial Ladder a Rescue Truck and a Battalion Chief were dispatched to the scene.

First arriving crews arrived in four minutes and found a single storey residential home with smoke and flames visible from the windows on the front of the structure.  Crews used attack hose lines on the visible flames while other crews prepared to enter the home to search for trapped occupants.  Once inside the home crews conducted a thorough rescue search while extinguishing areas involved in fire.  The fire was brought under control in six minutes.  No occupants were found in the home.

Crews worked to extinguish any remaining hot spots and used ventilation fans to clear the remaining smoke.

There were no injuries reported as a result of this fire.

An investigator was called to the scene and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation. 

Damages are estimated at $60,000.

At approximately 09:56 pm Saskatoon Fire Department responded to reported fire on the outside of house at 711 Ave E North. First responding Engine company  found flames showing at rear of a two and half story vacant house with boarded up doors and windows. Firefighters started a transitional attack and extinguished flames on the outside of house. Crews then entered house from the front and encounter heavy smoke and fire on second level of house, crews were able to complete a primary search of house before extreme heat and condition of house caused interior crews to back out and go to a defensive mode . Fire under control in approximately two and half hours from arrival and crews remained on scene for another three hours extinguishing all hot spots.

At approximately 1:30 this afternoon, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call alerting to a two vehicle MVA at the corner of Ave S.S and 19th St W. with possible entrapment.

The Saskatoon Fire Department immediately dispatched one Fire Engine, one Heavy Rescue Unit, and one Battalion Chief to the scene. 

Upon arrival, crews observed two half ton trucks that had collided with each other. The drivers of both trucks had exited their vehicles before fire crews had arrived. Four other passengers remained in one of the vehicles. It was determined by fire crews that extrication would not be required. 

All occupants of both vehicles were assessed for injuries by firefighter paramedics. Three children and two adults were transported to hospital for further assessment. 

Fire crews remained on scene for debris clean up.