Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

At approximately 7:56 p.m. on May 24, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a direct phone call alerting to a potential public hazard in the 200 block of 4th Avenue South; the building operator of a large commercial structure reported a backlit sign that had become unfastened from the building and was hanging dangerously over the sidewalk below. One aerial ladder truck was initially dispatched to investigate the concern.

Upon arrival, the commanding fire officer confirmed a large metal sign to be unsecured from the building and identified the need for additional resources; one rescue unit, staffed with a technical rescue team, was deployed to the scene. A battalion chief also responded to oversee operations.

Once briefed, the technical rescue team established a plan of action involving anchor points on the roof of the 10-story building; rope rescue technicians repelled down the side of the building, successfully removing one piece and securing a second piece of the sign at approximately 9:44 p.m. The Saskatoon Police Service restricted vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the 200 block of 4th Avenue South for the duration of this incident.

Fire crews have since cleared the scene, returning to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon.

At approximately 2:23 p.m. on May 24, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls with reports varying from smoke in the area to multiple residential structures on fire. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for immediate response.

Prior to the arrival of fire crews, bystanders were reported to be successfully extinguishing the fire. Upon arrival, a mostly extinguished fire that had caused notable damage to two residential structures was observed. All occupants had safely self-evacuated and no injuries were sustained. Firefighters verified that the fire had not extended further into either structure before establishing ventilation to clear smoke from the interior of one of the structures involved.

The fire is currently under investigation; a damage estimate is not yet available.

At approximately 6:11 p.m. on May 23, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a fire in the 100 block of East Hampton Boulevard. Nine fire engines, one rescue unit, two aerial ladder trucks, and one fire investigation unit have been committed to this incident. In addition, all support officials with the Saskatoon Fire Department were notified, some of whom also responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, the commanding fire officer noted two residential structures fully and heavily involved in fire. Defensive aerial and ground-level attacks were immediately initiated as firefighters communicated with home owners to ensure all occupants had safely self-evacuated. Utilities to all involved structures were terminated and utility technicians were contacted to attend the fire scene. The fire was brought under control in less than one hour from the time of fire dispatchers being notified of the incident. No injuries were sustained to fire or civilian personnel as a result of this fire.

A fire investigator is interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, and analyzing fire science as the scene is processed. Preliminary information has indicated damage to be approximately $1,000,000; this estimate is subject to change as the fire investigation continues. An update will be provided as new information becomes known.

At approximately 12:45 p.m. on May 23, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call alerting to a possible fire at a boarded-up and vacant residential structure in the 1900 block of 22nd Street West. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response.

Upon arrival, fire crews located a small fire burning at the rear of the structure; it was brought under control within minutes of arriving on scene. Firefighters forced entry to the structure to confirm vacancy and search for extension; finding no occupants or extension, fire crews cleared the scene and returned to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon.

Minimal damage occurred as a result of this fire; however, previous fire damage to the structure has left the property uninhabitable. The fire is presenting as suspicious and a fire investigator is working to confirm a cause.

On May 23, 2020, at approximately 3:53 a.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call alerting to a possible fire in the area of 22nd Street West; internal radio communication with the Saskatoon Police Service confirmed the fire to be in the 100 block of Avenue S South. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief responded. 

Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed a shed to be fully involved in fire with extension to a nearby tree; the fire was brought under control in about five minutes from the time of the first fire engine arriving on scene. There were no injuries reported and a fire investigation has been initiated to identify a cause of origin and damage estimate.