Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

The Saskatoon Fire Department has concluded at the scene of a significant two-alarm structure fire that occurred in the 200 block of Avenue I South on the evening of September 13, 2020 and continued into the early hours of September 14, 2020.

Firefighters successfully protected surrounding exposures, containing the fire to the structure of origin. The fire was officially declared under control at around 11:22 p.m. on September 13th with firefighters extinguishing flare-ups and monitoring for hot spots until about 5:02 a.m. on September 14th. As a result of highly trained personnel, effective fire attack strategies, and diligent accountability measures, there were no injuries reported.

Fire investigators have identified this fire to be incendiary. At the time of release, damage has been estimated at approximately $750,000.

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At approximately 6:27 p.m. on September 13, 2020, a fire engine responding to a residential fire signal on Avenue K South observed a significant amount of black smoke in the area; further exploration located a commercial structure on fire in the 200 block of Avenue I South. Seven fire engines, one rescue unit, two aerial ladder trucks, three fire investigation units, one public affairs official, one battalion chief, and one assistant chief have been committed to this incident at the time of release.

Firefighters first began softening the fire from the exterior with the intention of continuing extinguishment from the interior of the structure; upon escalation of the fire, the commanding battalion chief directed all fire crews to exit the structure and conduct defensive aerial and ground-level fire attack strategies. The structural integrity has been severely compromised resulting in a partial collapse. Arcing power lines, nearby electrical boxes, and on-site propane tanks have presented safety hazards on scene; the assistant chief serving as safety officer has closely monitored fire ground activities. Multiple utilities have been affected as a result of this fire; crews from the City of Saskatoon have attended the scene and are assisting the Saskatoon Fire Department as required. The Saskatoon Police Service has restricted traffic flow through the area and will issue a release upon these restrictions being lifted.

Firefighters remain on scene extinguishing hot spots and performing overhaul duties. Fire and police investigators will be conducting a thorough scene examination to identify a cause, origin, and damage estimate, as well as collect necessary evidence relative to this incident.

An update will be provided upon new information becoming known.

At approximately 6:27 p.m. on September 13, 2020, a fire engine responding to a residential fire signal on Avenue K South observed a significant amount of black smoke in the area; further exploration located a commercial structure on fire in the 200 block of Avenue I South. Seven fire engines, one rescue unit, two aerial ladder trucks, three fire investigation units, one public affairs official, one battalion chief, and one assistant chief have been committed to this incident at the time of release.

Firefighters first began softening the fire from the exterior with the intention of continuing extinguishment from the interior of the structure; upon escalation of the fire, the commanding battalion chief directed all fire crews to exit the structure and conduct defensive aerial and ground-level fire attack strategies. The structural integrity has been severely compromised resulting in a partial collapse. Arcing power lines, nearby electrical boxes, and on-site propane tanks have presented safety hazards on scene; the assistant chief serving as safety officer has closely monitored fire ground activities. Multiple utilities have been affected as a result of this fire; crews from the City of Saskatoon have attended the scene and are assisting the Saskatoon Fire Department as required. The Saskatoon Police Service has restricted traffic flow through the area and will issue a release upon these restrictions being lifted.

Firefighters remain on scene extinguishing hot spots and performing overhaul duties. Fire and police investigators will be conducting a thorough scene examination to identify a cause, origin, and damage estimate, as well as collect necessary evidence relative to this incident.

An update will be provided upon new information becoming known.

At approximately 2:01 a.m. on September 13, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received notification from an alarm monitoring company of a commercial fire signal activation at the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital, located at 103 Hospital Drive. Immediately following notification of the fire signal, fire dispatchers received communication from the hospital confirming a fire in the emergency room. Four fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched to the scene. 

Prior to the arrival of fire crews, hospital staff began evacuating nearby patients to other areas of the hospital and terminated the oxygen supply in the affected area. Upon arrival, firefighters learned that hospital security had partially extinguished the fire using an on-site fire extinguisher. Fire crews completed extinguishment using additional fire extinguishers while simultaneously searching for possible areas of extension. Ventilation of remaining smoke and toxins was conducted using the building's HVAC system.

A fire investigator has confirmed this fire to be accidental as a result of smoking; an adult male patient received severe burns to approximately 25% of his upper body after attempting to smoke while receiving oxygen. It is understood that a small explosion occurred, igniting the fire and causing about $1,000 in damage to the hospital. 

At around 4:28 p.m. on September 12, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a shed and garage on fire in the 300 block of Bowman Crescent. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response.

Firefighters observed thick black smoke in the area while responding to the scene. Arriving in less than four minutes, a fully involved residential garage was located; a small shed, section of fence, and a tree were also found to be on fire. Fire crews initiated an immediate attack, bringing the fire under control by about 4:45 p.m.. Searches of the fire scene confirmed there to be no occupants or pets; no injuries occurred as a result.

A fire investigator has identified the fire to be accidental as a result of the improper disposal of ashes from an outdoor fire pit. Damage has been estimated at approximately $50,000. 

The on-scene investigation into a fire that occurred at a multi-unit apartment building in the 2000 block of 20th Street West on September 11, 2020 has concluded. A fire investigator has identified the fire to be incendiary with damage estimated at approximately $200,000.

Members of the public are reminded to report non-emergent suspicious activity to the Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300; in an emergency, call 911 immediately. 

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At approximately 8:58 p.m. on September 11, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a possible structure fire in a multi-unit apartment building on the 2000 block of 20th Street West. The response included four fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief. It was reported that multiple persons remained inside.

Arriving on scene in three minutes, firefighters immediately observed an occupant requiring rescue from a third level window; ground ladders were positioned to assist this person to safety. Most other occupants were confirmed to have self-evacuated from the burning building. Simultaneously additional fire crews entered the building, locating and performing a quick attack on flames enveloping a common stairwell; the commanding fire officer considered the fire to be under control within about 30 minutes from the time of fire dispatchers receiving the first 911 call. While conducting thorough searches of the building, two occupants were located and evacuated by firefighters from a below-grade unit. Fire crews forced entry into multiple areas of the building to confirm no other occupants or pets remained inside. No injuries to civilian or fire personnel occurred as a result of this incident. Overhaul and ventilation efforts were performed prior to a fire investigator taking command of the scene. 

Due to extensive fire damage, the building has been closed and secured by the Saskatoon Fire Department. Firefighters re-entered the building to retrieve salvageable personal items, including medications and keys, for displaced occupants. The district fire inspector will work with the property owner to ensure compliance through remediation efforts. Of the 11 occupied units in the building, the Saskatoon Fire Department can confirm six occupants from four units were assisted by the Canadian Red Cross in Saskatchewan. 

A fire investigator is in the process of conducting a scene examination to identify a cause, origin, and damage estimate. An update will be provided upon conclusion of the investigative findings.