Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Saskatoon News Releases
Structure Fire - 100 Block of 27th Street West
August 20, 2023 - 10:45 am
At 3:06 p.m. on August 19, 2023, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) Communications Center received a report of a house on fire in the 100 Block of 27th Street West. SFD dispatched three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief. First responding apparatus reported seeing heavy smoke coming from the area prior to their arrival. Fire crews reported flames showing at the rear of a single-story residence and arcing power lines down in the back alley. All incoming fire crews were assigned tactical duties. Saskatoon Light & Power and SaskEnergy were notified to shut down utilities for scene safety.
Fire crews extinguished the fire at the rear and breached the front door to search the residence for any persons in the event the structure was not vacant. No persons but one dog was found safe and secure inside. Our SFD Fire Investigator was requested to attend.
The fire was brought under control at 3:27 p.m. Fire crews ensured full extinguishment and checked for hot spots. The Fire Investigator assumed the scene and investigation is ongoing to determine the cause & origin. No persons or firefighters were injured because of this fire. Fire crews and the fire investigator have all returned to their respective stations.
Balcony Fire - 300 Block of Girgulis Crescent
August 19, 2023 - 11:00 am
At 5:45 a.m. on August 19, 2023, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a balcony on fire in the 300 Block of Girgulis Crescent. Caller reported that fire extinguishers were used in an attempt to put the fire out but didn't think it was extinguished.
Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched. First arriving fire crews reported a small fire on a balcony on the ground floor of a multi residential apartment building. All incoming fire crews were assigned their tactical duties.
One male sustained minor burns to a hand and was treated by SFD paramedics. The patient's care was later turned over to the ambulance service. Two others were treated for lacerations to their hands sustained from breaking the protective cover of the fire extinguisher cabinets.
Fire was brought under control at 6:13 a.m.
The Fire Investigator was requested to attend. Cause and origin examination is concluded. Fire originated on the first floor balcony and extended to the 2nd floor balcony. Cause of the fire was from improper disposal of smoking material. Damage is estimated at $20,000.
While the fire extinguishers used did not completely extinguish the fire, the suppression product slowed down the growth of the fire. SFD wants to remind everyone to use an acceptable receptacle when disposing of smoking material such as a glass jar with water in it and a lid.
Structure Fire - 300 Block of Avenue K South
August 15, 2023 - 9:30 am
At 1:31 a.m. on August 15, 2023, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) Communications Center received a report of a fire at a warehouse building in the 300 Block of Avenue K South. SFD dispatched three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief at 1:32 a.m. The first arriving fire crew reported a large commercial structure with flames showing at the rear at 1:36 a.m.
All incoming fire crews were assigned tactical duties. Utilities were shut down for scene safety. A fence and a locked gate had to be breached to gain access to the fire. Our SFD Fire Investigator was requested to attend. Fire crews extinguished the fire at the rear and gained entry to search the building for any persons in the event the structure was not vacant. No persons were identified inside.
The fire was brought under control at 1:53 a.m. Fire crews ensured full extinguishment and checked for hot spots. The Fire Investigator assumed the scene at 2:30 a.m. and requested the Police Arson Investigator as indications identified a suspicious fire.
SFD's portion of the fire investigation has concluded. The fire is considered suspicious with three points of origin identified to an air handling unit, fire started on west side of building and an accessory building. The fire scene was turned over to the Saskatoon Police Service for their further follow up and investigation. Damage is estimated at $15,000.
On the west side of the property, there were indications of an encampment. The area was searched. No person(s) were in the encampment in the alleyway. The fire did not involve or breach the encampment.
No persons or firefighters were injured as a result of this fire. Fire crews and the fire investigator have all returned to their respective stations.
If anyone has information about this fire, please call our Police Service at (306) 975-8300.
Residential structure fire - 1100 block Osler Street
August 4, 2023 - 10:15 am
At 5:40 a.m. on August 4, 2023, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple calls reporting a house on fire on the 1100 block of Osler Street. Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief responded. First arriving fire crews reported visible flames on the rear of the structure. All incoming fire crews were assigned their tactical duties.
Fire crews quickly attacked the flames from the exterior to knock down the fire before proceeding inside the structure to complete a search of the building for occupants as well as fire extension inside the structure. All occupants were found to have safely exited the structure prior to fire arriving on scene. A Fire Investigator was requested, and utility companies contacted to safely secure the natural gas and electrical services for the structure.
Fire crews worked to ensure that the fire was fully extinguished, and did not extend into the walls, basement, or attic space. The crews used a positive pressure fan to assist in removing the smoke from throughout the entire structure. The scene was turned over to the fire investigator at 7:12 a.m.
The fire investigator has determined the fire originated on the exterior of the home and the cause to be careless disposal of solid fuel barbecue ashes. Damage is estimated at $150,000.
The fire investigator found that the smoke alarms were working and accredits their early warning to have positively assisted in helping alert the occupants. As a result of the early warning everyone was able to safely get out of the house without receiving injuries. Saskatoon Fire Department wishes to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of having working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. Ensure they are routinely inspected for proper operation and that everyone knows to immediately exit the building in a safe manner when they are activated.
Water Rescue - South of Berry Barn
August 7, 2023 - 7:00 pm
At 3:21 p.m. on August 7, 2023, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a call for a Sea Doo that hit a sand bar and flipped over South of the Berry Barn on the river. It was reported that one male sustained injuries. The water rescue team, a fire engine and the Battalion Chief were dispatched. The water rescue team launched our rescue water craft at Paradise Beach and proceeded to the patient's location. The ambulance service, STARS and the RCMP also responded to the incident.
STARS found a landing point on a sand bar. The SFD water rescue team transported the patient to the sand bar where the patient was transferred to their care and taken to hospital with unknown injuries.
The fire crew on the fire engine assisted with getting the Sea Doo upright. Our Battalion Chief transported an uninjured female back to Saskatoon to their vehicle.
Fire crews have returned to their respective stations.
The river can be unpredictable due to lower water levels, hidden sand bars and a changing bottom due to the current's rate of water flow.