Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

At 12:46 p.m. on January 2, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) responded to reports of a detached garage fire occurring in the 200 block of Whitney Avenue South.

On arrival, fire crews found a fire occurring on the exterior of the garage. No persons were found within the structure. 

An offensive attack was launched and the fire was brought under control at 1:05 p.m. SFD’s Fire Investigator was called to the scene to conduct a fire scene examination. 

The cause and origin of the fire is identified to be suspicious and has been turned over to the Saskatoon Police Service for further investigation. 

Fire damage is estimated at $8,000.

The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) is pleased to recognize three civilians for their actions that resulted in safely evacuating one occupant and five cats from a burning home. 

In the afternoon of November 13, 2023, Avery Chubb, Georgia Vanderlinde and Quinn Hogan were driving in the Silverwood Heights area when they saw a fire coming from a two-storey home on Zeman Crescent. Recognizing there were no occupants outside of the home, they took action to alert potential occupants and located the sole occupant of the home. Chubb, Vanderlinde and Hogan proceeded to escort the occupant from the home and away from the fire.  

At 3:44 p.m. on November 13, 2023, SFD received a report of a structure fire in the 100 block of Zeman Crescent. Fire crews arrived to a house fully involved in fire. Within four minutes of arriving on scene, the fire extended to the neighbouring house and eventually caused the chimney to collapse in the primary home. The fire was brought under control at 4:42 p.m. and all five cats were retrieved from the home. The cause of the fire was undetermined and damage was estimated at $750,000 between the two homes.  

“This incident is a shining example of when ordinary civilians become extraordinary neighbours,” says Fire Chief Morgan Hackl. “The quick actions of these three individuals undoubtedly saved their neighbour’s life. We commend these selfless individuals for their exemplary actions and commitment to safety.” 

Chubb, Vanderlinde and Hogan were presented with an Award of Merit on December 18, 2023 in a small ceremony at Fire Station No.1. 

At 7:46 a.m. on December 12, 2023 the Saskatoon Fire Department received a report of a fire along the riverbank below Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan in the 900 block of Spadina Crescent East.  One fire engine was dispatched.  Fire crews located a fire under a deck over the riverbank.  The Fire Investigator and a Fire Bylaw Inspector were requested to attend.  Damage is estimated at $10,000.  Fire originated under the decking from an open air fire that was left unattended.

The Fire Bylaw Inspector attended to support any individuals who may have been inadequately housed.  No persons were identified at the fire scene requiring assistance.  

No injuries resulted from this fire.  

On December 11, 2023, at 10:25 a.m. the Saskatoon Fire Department emergency dispatch center received a report of a fire at the rear of a structure in the 100 block of Avenue Y South.   Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched.  First arriving fire crews reported smoke showing smoke showing from an open window at the rear of a multi-residential property.   All incoming fire crews were assigned their tactical duties.  Utilities were shut down for safety on the fire scene.  Fire Investigator was requested to attend.

Fire crews reported no occupants inside the structure during their search.  Fire was brought under control at 10:50 a.m.  At this time, fire crews are ensuring full extinguishment of the fire before handing the fire scene over to the Fire Investigator.  

An update will be provided as soon as practical.

After 36 years of service with the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD), Fire Chief Morgan Hackl announces he will retire from the City of Saskatoon. Chief Hackl’s final day of service is yet to be finalized but is expected to occur before the end of March 2024.

“I have always wanted to lead an organization that would make a difference in our community,” Hackl says. “I hope that during my time here the Saskatoon Fire Department has helped build a city that is a better place to live, work, learn and play.”

Hackl has been a member of SFD for 36 years, starting as a firefighter and moving up to captain. He later served as battalion chief and assistant chief before being promoted to his current role of Fire Chief in 2015.

During his eight years as Fire Chief, Hackl’s leadership has had many successes. Among them include: 

• Relocation and construction of Station No. 3 and Station No.5, to optimize response times throughout our community
• Incident Command structure during the Humboldt bus tragedy
• Vision and realization of a regional training facility for fire and emergency services
• Collaboration with 50 community agencies to support the City of Saskatoon and residents through COVID-19
• Proactive work related to homelessness using a whole-community approach, including community safety partnerships with Saskatoon Police Service, community-based organizations and other levels of government 
• Partnership with Saskatchewan Health Authority to establish the  Overdose Outreach Team pilot
• Regional Emergency Management Organization involving multiple municipalities
• Growing opportunities for youth through the FIRE Cadet program
• Creation and delivery of a four-year Strategic Plan 

Most recently, in September the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs recognized Chief Hackl with the 2023 National Fire Chief of the Year Award for his work on community safety and well-being and for building partnerships.

City Manager Jeff Jorgenson says he accepted Chief Hackl's decision to retire with mixed emotions, extending gratitude for not only his tenure as Fire Chief but also for his dedicated 36 years of service to the City of Saskatoon.

“Saskatoon and area are stronger communities because of Chief Hackl’s vision. He has continuously taken a non-traditional approach to public safety initiatives and has embraced out-of-the box thinking.”

Jorgenson also notes Chief Hackl’s most notable accomplishment is his ability to forge important partnerships and build relationships that engage all partners in problem solving and shared leadership. Chief Hackl's influence has stretched across dozens of prominent organizations focused on health care, social services, education, community safety, and truth and reconciliation.

“The development of the regional training facility, establishing the Overdose Outreach Team, and Saskatoon Fire Department’s whole-community approach to safety and well-being are operational examples of Chief Hackl’s leadership. 

“It takes vision and courage to lead the way Chief Hackl does and as an organization we congratulate Chief Hackl on his much-deserved retirement.”