Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

The investigation into a fire that occurred on June 14, 2020 in the 300 block of Avenue Q South has concluded. A fire investigator has identified the fire to be incendiary with damage estimated at approximately $50,000.

To maintain the best interests of community safety, a demolition order has been posted; the property owner will have 30 days to level the structure in compliance with the order. The Fire Prevention and Investigation section will monitor the progress and confirm compliance over the coming weeks.

Members of the public are reminded to report non-emergent suspicious activity by calling 306-975-8300. In an emergency, call 911 immediately. 

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At approximately 1:52 p.m. on June 14, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a possible structure fire in the 300 block of Avenue Q South. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

The first fire engine arrived on scene in less than four minutes to find a boarded-up residential structure with flames visible from the exterior. All utilities to the structure had previously been terminated. Firefighters immediately initiated a defensive fire attack on the structure of origin while successfully protecting a neighbouring property from extension of the fire. Information received from a bystander on scene indicated the strong possibility of an occupant inside. With this new information, firefighters made entry to begin a search for the occupant; searches of the interior produced negative results and vacancy of the structure was confirmed. The fire was quickly contained and brought under control shortly thereafter. Ventilation was conducted to clear the area of remaining smoke and toxins. There were no injuries to fire or civilian personnel as a result of this incident.

Firefighters concluded on scene and have since returned to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon. A fire investigator remains on scene working to identify a cause and assess the damage.

At approximately 6:56 p.m. on June 18, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of 23rd Street West and Avenue Q North with the possibility of entrapment. One fire engine, one rescue unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Firefighters arrived on scene to find a two vehicle collision involving a Honda minivan and a Ford SUV; the SUV had overturned as a result of the impact. Fire crews stabilized both vehicles and confirmed there to be no entrapment. To ensure environmental protection, firefighters controlled and contained fluids that were leaking from the vehicles. One female patient was assessed by firefighter-paramedics before being transported to hospital by ambulance; her injuries are believed to be minor. The Saskatoon Police Service was on scene to take statements and facilitate traffic flow through the area. 

Fire crews remained on scene until the damaged vehicles were removed and a complete fluid and debris clean-up could be conducted.

At approximately 11:41 a.m. on June 17, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a structural collapse at the corner of Louise Avenue and East Place. Two fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, and one battalion chief responded.

Upon arrival, a large structure that had been in the early stages of construction was observed to have partially collapsed. The site was believed to be vacant of contractors at the time; however, a technical rescue team deployed onto the area to conduct an urban search and rescue of the compromised structure. Confirmation was made at approximately 12:02 p.m. that the site was completely vacant at the time of collapse. No injuries were sustained as a result of the collapse or subsequent search.

Upon conclusion of their work, fire crews released the scene to a site manager and returned to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon.

At approximately 8:13 p.m. on June 16, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call from an off-duty fire inspector reporting a person at risk on the Circle Drive West overpass that crosses Idylwyld Drive North. One fire engine, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Upon arrival, fire crews observed an individual on the outside of the security fencing expressing an intent to harm themselves; multiple police officers were on scene engaging the individual towards a peaceful resolution. As firefighters cut the security fencing to provide access and began positioning an aerial ladder truck to assist in rescue, the person advanced from the edge of the overpass; the battalion chief made an immediate decision to force his arm through the cut fencing, grabbing the individual and preventing them from continuing over the edge. Police assisted in holding this position with the battalion chief until the aerial ladder truck was able to successfully rescue the individual.

The battalion chief was medically assessed and treated by firefighter-paramedics before continuing to hospital for further evaluation; his injuries are believed to be minor and are primarily related to cuts received from the fencing. The individual that was rescued was transferred to the Saskatoon Police Service and subsequently transported to hospital by ambulance as a precaution.

Firefighters have concluded on scene and returned to their stations to continue proudly serving Saskatoon.

At approximately 2:55 p.m. on June 14, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting what was believed to be a pile of garbage on fire at GFL Environmental, located on the 100 block of Cory Road in the rural municipality of Corman Park. One fire engine, one water tanker, one brush truck, and one battalion chief were committed to this incident. 

Upon arrival, fire crews were met by staff members on site and confirmed a fire to be burning in a hydrocarbon disposal area. Firefighters connected to an on-site hydrant in addition to using on-board water supplies to begin suppression of the fire. The commanding fire officer confirmed a loss stopped at approximately 3:56 p.m. It was not immediately known what might've caused the material used to absorb hydrocarbons to ignite; as this area is outside of the Saskatoon Fire Department's investigative jurisdiction, a cause and origin determination will not be provided. There was no elevated concern relative to hazardous materials as a result of this incident and no injuries to fire or civilian personnel were reported.

Fire crews have concluded their duties and released the scene to employees of the company.