Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

At approximately 8:01 a.m. on May 20, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a boarded-up residential property on fire in the 1600 block of Avenue C North. Four fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief have been committed to this incident.

Upon arrival, heavy smoke and flame conditions were observed. Firefighters immediately began connecting to nearby hydrants and evacuating neighbouring properties. Defensive ground-level and aerial attacks were initiated to gain control of the fire and protect surrounding exposures. All utilities supplying the property had previously been terminated. A partial collapse occurred minutes prior to the fire being brought under control at approximately 9:00 a.m. Firefighters remain on scene monitoring for flare-ups and performing overhaul efforts. The Saskatoon Police Service assisted in restricting traffic flow through the area for the duration of this incident.

A fire investigator is beginning to process the scene; an investigative update will be provided upon additional information becoming known.

At approximately 4:54 p.m. on May 19, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a growing grass fire in the Rural Municipality of Corman Park near Highway 16 East and Market Drive. One fire engine, one water tanker, and one brush truck were dispatched for response.

Upon arrival, fire crews noted an area of grass on fire adjacent to a set of train tracks. A separate fire, believed to be associated with the first reported fire, was observed approximately 1.5-kilometres away. Fire crews have contained both fires and continue to extinguish hot spots in the area. There have been no reported injuries as a result of this incident and no structures were at risk of becoming involved.

The Corman Park Police Service has responded and is assisting with traffic control in the area. A confirmed cause and damage estimate will not be provided by the Saskatoon Fire Department.

At approximately 12:43 p.m. on May 19, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department was alerted by the Saskatoon Police Service to a person at risk on the University Bridge. One fire engine, two water rescue units, and support officials were dispatched to the scene.

Water rescue units were immediately deployed onto the South Saskatchewan River. While navigating the waterway towards the University Bridge, the commanding fire officer alerted rescuers of a confirmed person in the water. Firefighters worked from the shoreline to maintain visual contact as rescuers approached the location by boat. One female patient was removed from the water and medically assessed; she has been transported to hospital for treatment of what are believed to be minor injuries.

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

At approximately 6:21 p.m. on May 18, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a mutual aid request from the Whitecap Dakota First Nation to assist in controlling a working residential structure fire. Two fire engines, one rescue unit, one water tanker, one brush truck, and one battalion chief were immediately dispatched for response. It was reported that a neighbour had alerted and assisted in evacuating all occupants from the involved structure.

While responding, firefighters were notified of the fire being brought under control by the on-scene volunteer fire department; all responding fire apparatus from the Saskatoon Fire Department were canceled with the exception of one fire engine and one battalion chief continuing to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed a working residential structure fire and began assisting the volunteer fire department from the Whitecap Dakota First Nation in continuing extinguishment of the fire.

There were no injuries to fire or civilian personnel as a result of this incident. The structure involved has been extensively damaged; however, as this area falls outside of the Saskatoon Fire Department's investigative jurisdiction, a confirmed cause and damage estimate will not be provided.

The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes to correct the name of the wildlife agency that had requested the investigation into the possible entrapment of a pelican in the weir on the evening of May 17, 2020. The agency involved was the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan, not the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation as was previously reported. The Saskatoon Fire Department apologizes for this error. 

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At approximately 8:22 p.m. on May 17, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a request from the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation to investigate the possible entrapment of a pelican in the weir. One fire engine, one water rescue unit, one specialized water rescue craft, and support officials attended the scene.

The specialized water rescue craft, designed to operate effectively in unpredictable conditions, was deployed onto the South Saskatchewan River at the weir. The craft was maneuvered along the weir's boil towards the pelican; however, upon reaching the animal it began to swim away from the rescuers in the craft. Firefighters confirmed that the pelican was not in distress or caught on anything in the water and retreated from the rescue operation. 

The Saskatoon Fire Department has concluded on scene and firefighters have returned to their stations to continue serving citizens. The pelican's status will be monitored in the coming days and rescuers will re-deploy if required.