Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

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.

On August 25, 2017, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced the formal establishment of a Firefighters’ National Memorial Day in recognition of the dangers firefighters often face and the ultimate sacrifice of those who have given their lives in the line of duty.

Each year, the second Sunday in September is designated in memory of firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty; this year, September 13, 2020 will mark this day. Recognition of this day is warmly received by families across Canada who have lost loved ones through the courageous and selfless fulfillment of their duties.

The Saskatoon Fire Department will observe a moment of silence at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2020; firefighters will be at attention on the ramps of their stations, flags to half-mast, in honour of this day.

At approximately 8:23 a.m. on September 10, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department along with the Saskatoon Police Service responded to reports of a motor vehicle collision on Millar Avenue near 43rd Street East; it was reported that one occupant remained trapped inside one of the two vehicles involved. Two fire engines, one rescue unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response.

Arriving in about three minutes, firefighters accessed the collision scene and made contact with the occupant that remained trapped in their vehicle; they were observed to be uninjured but otherwise unable to exit the vehicle. In less than 10 minutes from the time of the first fire engine arriving on scene, fire crews had stabilized the vehicle and competed the extrication process. There were no injuries to any of the involved parties or fire department personnel as a result of this incident. 

Firefighters have since cleared the scene and returned to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon and area.

A fire investigator has concluded on scene of a structure fire that occurred early this morning, September 9, 2020, in the 1800 block of 20th Street West; this fire was identified as incendiary with damage estimated at about $25,000.

The Saskatoon Fire Department reminds members of the public 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 1:44 a.m. on September 9, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a residential structure on fire in the 1800 block of 20th Street West. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Firefighters arrived on scene in about four minutes to find a boarded-up residential structure with flames visible from the front. Immediately deploying hose lines, fire crews initiated an exterior attack on the fire prior to making entry to continue extinguishment from the interior; the fire was brought under control within 10 minutes from the time of the first fire engine arriving on scene. Fire dispatchers notified the appropriate utility technicians to attend the scene as utilities servicing the structure were required to be shut down. A thermal imaging camera was used to conduct searches of the structure where it was confirmed that no occupants or pets were inside and no further extension of the fire occurred; there were also no injuries as a result.

Upon completing ventilation of the structure, firefighters left the scene with fire and police investigators to begin an examination and gather evidence.

The fire investigator has concluded on scene, identifying this fire to be incendiary with damage estimated at approximately $50,000. 

The fire investigator credits responding firefighters for their prompt action and instinctive training in quickly containing a challenging fire situation; the investigation into this incident revealed hoarding-like conditions inside the structure, impacting access, safety, and extinguishment strategies on scene. 

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At around 12:42 a.m. on September 9, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple reports of smoke exiting a structure in the 200 block of 33rd Street West. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief responded.

Arriving on scene in less than three minutes, fire crews found visible smoke coming from a small, boarded-up mixed-use residential/commercial structure. Firefighters breached entry to the property grounds through a rear chain-linked fence before also breaching entry to the structure itself through a rear door. Inside, firefighters were met with heavy, dark smoke and mild heat conditions; maneuvering through a significant amount of debris and clutter, fire crews located and extinguished a fire in the basement within 30 minutes from the time of the first fire engine arriving on scene. An extensive search of the structure confirmed there to be no occupants, pets, or further extension of the fire; there were no injuries as a result. 

Ventilation of the structure was completed prior to fire crews concluding on scene and returning to their stations to continue proudly serving Saskatoon and area.

This incident remains under investigation with both fire and police investigators.