Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

The investigation into a fire that occurred at a previously fire damaged property in the 1600 block of Avenue C North on July 16, 2020 has concluded. A fire investigator has confirmed the fire to be incendiary. The structure must be leveled and the site cleared on or before July 31, 2020 to be in compliance with a perviously posted demolition order. The Fire Prevention and Investigation section will continue to monitor the status of this property in the coming weeks. 

--

At approximately 11:51 p.m. on July 16, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a boarded-up property in the 1600 block of Avenue C North to be fully involved in flames. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response; one public affairs official was also immediately notified.

Firefighters arrived on scene in about two minutes to find visible smoke and flames exiting from a perviously delinquent property. Fire crews connected to a nearby hydrant and initiated an immediate fire attack at the back of the property. In less than 20 minutes, firefighters brought the flames under control and had begun overhaul efforts to search for possible extension of the fire; finding none, the property was confirmed vacant and turned over to a fire investigator. 

This fire is presenting as suspicious and a fire investigator is working to confirm a cause. As this property remains under an active demolition order with previous fire damage, a damage estimate resulting from this fire will not be available.

At approximately 4:12 p.m. on July 19, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a detached garage on fire in the 1200 block of Avenue F North. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for immediate response. 

Arriving on scene within three minutes, the commanding fire officer noted a small fire on the exterior of the detached garage. Firefighters successfully extinguished the fire in about five minutes and confirmed there to be no occupants or pets inside. There were no injuries to fire or civilian personnel as a result of this incident. 

A fire investigator has confirmed this fire to be incendiary with damage estimated at $5,000. Members of the public are reminded that non-emergent suspicious activity can be reported by calling 306-975-8300. In an emergency, call 911 immediately. 

At approximately 2:52 p.m. on July 19, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received internal radio communication from the Saskatoon Police Service alerting to a person in distress on the University Bridge. One fire engine, two water rescue units, one battalion chief, and one public affairs official were committed to this incident. 

Both water rescue units were deployed onto the South Saskatchewan River from an emergency boat launch and positioned in the area of the University Bridge. Members of the Saskatoon Police Service were observed to be communicating with an adult male when he entered the water; a firefighter trained in surface water rescue immediately initiated a rescue, securing the individual and bringing him into the boat. The adult male was transported to hospital by ground ambulance for what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.

Firefighters have since removed the water rescue units from the South Saskatchewan River and returned to their stations to continue serving the residents and visitors of Saskatoon. 

At approximately 3:10 a.m. on July 19, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a lot of smoke coming from the back of a property in the 300 block of Avenue U South. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Arriving on scene in about three minutes, firefighters located a residential structure with smoke and flames visible from the exterior. Fire crews softened the fire from the exterior before making entry, fully extinguishing the fire by about 3:37 a.m. prior to initiating ventilation. Searches of the structure confirmed there to be no occupants, pets, or further extension of the fire. 

A fire investigator has confirmed this fire to be incendiary with damage estimated at around $100,000. The Fire Prevention and Investigation section of the Saskatoon Fire Department will be following up on this property; an update on its status will be issued when information becomes available.

At approximately 11:29 p.m. on July 18, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a significant amount of smoke exiting a residential structure in the 400 block of 3rd Avenue North. 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 less than three minutes to find visible flames inside the structure. Initiating an immediate attack on the fire, the flames were brought under control within about one hour from the time of the first fire engine arriving on scene. Fire crews shut down the utilities to the structure as fire dispatchers notified the appropriate utility technicians for response. Searches of the structure confirmed there to be no occupants or pets inside at the time of the fire. Firefighters ventilated the structure of remaining smoke and carbon monoxide before clearing the scene at about 1:00 a.m. on July 19, 2020 and returning to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon. 

A fire investigator has evaluated the cause and origin, determining this fire to be incendiary with an approximate damage estimate of $250,000. The fire investigator has credited fire crews for their prompt response and action in preventing this fire from extending further.