Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

Saskatoon Fire Department Communications Centre received received multiple 9-1-1 calls for a garage fire at 4:55 a.m.  Our first arriving fire engine reported a garage that was fully involved in fire.  Incoming firefighters and their officers were assigned tactical duties by the Officer first on scene.  A power line was brought down to the ground by the fire and a crew from Saskatoon Light & Power responded.   An SFD Safety Officer was assigned to ensure safety on the fire ground.  At 5:12 a.m., the garage had been consumed by fire to the point of collapse.  Fire crews continued to extinguish the fire.  This fire was brought under control at 5:39 a.m.  

Dispatched to the scene were a total of 6 front line emergency response apparatus, a Battalion Chief, a Fire Investigator and a service vehicle.  Fire crews began packing up hose lines and tools after extinguishment was completed.  Equipment that was contaminated by smoke, soot and exposed to gases created by the fire were transported back to station by an SFD service vehicle.  Fire crews began cleaning and decontaminating equipment back at the stations.

The scene was turned over to the Fire Investigator at 6:03 a.m.  An investigator from the Saskatoon Police Service assisted in the investigation.  Our Fire Investigator has determined that the fire originated in the interior of the garage which was reported as not being used for living purposes but household furnishings were identified as being present.  Damage to the garage and neighbouring properties is estimated at $25,000.  The exact cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.  The Fire Investigator will continue to work with the Police Service in this investigation.  

No injuries to civilians or firefighters occurred as a result of this fire.

At 09:35 a.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department received a report of a house fire with smoke and flame showing.  Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue truck, the Battalion Chief and a Fire Investigator were dispatched to the scene.  First arriving fire crew and their officer reported heavy smoke showing.  All incoming fire crews were assigned tactical duties and extinguishment was initiated from the exterior into the interior.  Due to an extreme accumulation of items in the yard and the interior of the structure, this posed an extra challenge to firefighters as they advanced hose lines and water onto the fire.  The fire was knocked down at 09:46 a.m. while firefighters had to work around extremely congested conditions in order to get to the origin of the fire and complete extinguishment.  Searches were conducted to ensure no one was inside the structure in need of evacuation.  

No injuries occurred to firefighters or civilians due to this fire.

The Fire Investigator identified many contributing factors to this fire.  The utilities were not in service at the time of the fire.  An inappropriate and unsafe heat source identified as a hand made furnace in a bedroom caused the fire.  The makeshift furnace was constructed of a barrel to allow for items to be burned and inadequately vented through the bedroom window.  The amount of items inside the structure contributed to the spread of fire and its challenge in being extinguished.  Damage is estimated to be $50, 000 as the fire extended from the bedroom and its window into the roof.  Cause of the fire was determined to be accidental.

Due to the extreme amount of materials loitering inside and outside of the structure, the Fire Investigator will be issuing Orders under the Property Maintenance & Nuisance Abatement Bylaw 8175 requiring the removal of items and a separate Order will be issued requiring repairs to the structure due to the fire damage.  The house is being closed under the Authority of the Saskatoon Fire Department due to the lack of utilities, fire damage and the extreme accumulation identified.

One occupant is displaced due to this fire and has found alternate accommodations.