Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

*The location of the incident has been corrected in the following News Release* 

At 9:29 a.m. on November 11, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a call reporting an individual stuck inside a commercial recycling truck.  

The truck had completed part of its route on Clarence Avenue and 8th Street when a short time later the driver noticed a person in the back with the recycling materials. The truck then pulled off College Drive and parked in the southbound lanes on the 1100 block of University Drive. 

Firefighters met Saskatoon Police on scene at University Drive where they located the recycling truck. SFD’s rescue team proceeded to safely remove the individual from the recycling truck at 9:44 a.m.  

The individual’s care was transferred to Medavie at the scene. 

MEDIA: We have discovered a technical error and realized that you may not have received contact information:

Rob Hogan, Deputy Chief - Operations & Emergency Communications, Saskatoon Fire Department

Rob.Hogan@saskatoon.ca

The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) has responded to calls for a house and garage fire this evening.

At 17:41 SFD received multiple calls about a house and garage fire at 408 24th Street West. On arrival SFD found a large three-story house with flames showing. Garage and storage sheds had caught fire as well.

Fire crews began an aggressive exterior attack on all structures and a second alarm was called at 18:02 bringing an additional engine and ladder.

The fire is now under control but crews will remain on scene for a couple hours to monitor.

The fire is under investigation, no injuries have been reported at this time.

The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) has responded to multiple fires in the Mayfair neighbourhood this morning.  

At 9:21 a.m. SFD received a call reporting a detached garage on fire on the 1500 block of Avenue E North. Firefighters arrived and began to extinguish the fire. The fire spread to an adjacent garage across the alley on Avenue F North. Both fires have been brought under control. 

At 9:53 a.m. SFD received a call reporting a deck on fire on the 1400 block of Avenue D North. The fire was put out by the homeowner. SFD attended to inspect the fire and ensure all hot spots were completely extinguished.  

At 10:01 a.m. SFD received a call reporting a fence on fire on the 100 block of 31st Street West. SFD arrived and extinguished the fire.  

At 10:37 a.m. SFD received a call reporting another fence on fire on 29th Street West. SFD arrived and extinguished the fire. 

It is unknown at this time if any or all of the incidents are related. Residents are asked to report any suspicious activity to 9-1-1. 

The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) proudly welcomed its 2024 recruitment class during a private graduation ceremony this afternoon. 12 newly trained firefighter-paramedics were recognized for successfully completing the department's intensive four-week orientation program and were officially introduced as the newest members of the fire service. Each recruit received their badge and battalion assignment, marking the beginning of their career with SFD.  

All 12 firefighter-paramedics worked under the guidance of SFD’s Staff Development and Safety team to complete training in firefighting, technical rescue, hazardous material mitigation and community relations. The new recruits are also certified to the level of Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) and are licensed through the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics. Their extensive training and experience have prepared them for operating effectively in high-hazard emergency scenes. 

"The safety and preparedness of our firefighters is paramount at SFD," says Anthony Tataryn, Assistant Chief of Staff Development and Safety. "Our four-week orientation goes beyond reviewing the basics. It rigorously tests recruits' capabilities, pushing them to adapt and excel in real-world emergency scenarios. This training ensures they are ready for the diverse and demanding challenges they will encounter on the job." 

"SFD responds to more than 25,000 incidents annually, ranging from routine to complex emergency incidents, says Fire Chief Doug Wegren. “The wide range of situations our firefighters face highlights the importance of having team members who are not only dedicated to serving our community but also possess a broad set of specialized skills." 

The new firefighter-paramedics will start their first shifts beginning October 21. 

Chief Wegren adds, “We are thrilled to welcome these 12 firefighter-paramedics to our team and look forward to supporting their continued success at SFD.” 

The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) responded to a house fire on the 400 block of Avenue V South this morning. All occupants safely evacuated, and the fire was extinguished. The scene was transferred to the Fire Investigator for examination to determine the cause, origin and estimate of damage.  

Following the investigation, the Fire Investigator concluded that the fire was caused by an electric scooter. It is unclear whether the charging source or the battery was responsible. The estimated damage is $200,000. 

The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!”  This year’s campaign strives to educate about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home. 

“In an emergency, seconds count,” says Fire Marshal Ryan Bradley. “Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a fire in half and can be the difference in preventing a tragedy in your home.” 

SFD would like to remind residents of a few key smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines: 

• Install. Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (such as a hallway) and on each level (including the basement) of a home.  
• Test. Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button. 
• Replace. Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or stop responding when tested. 

To learn more about smoke alarms and other fire safety tips, visit saskatoon.ca/smokealarms. 

For general information about Fire Prevention Week and other fire prevention resources, visit nfpa.org/fpw. 

The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) responded to an encampment fire this morning. The fire was extinguished and an individual was taken into Police custody. 

The scene of the fire that occurred underneath the bridge was assessed by City engineers. Based on the assessment, there is no structural damage to the University Bridge. City personnel cleared the debris and garbage from the scene. 

The scene was cleared at 11:59 a.m. and the bridge was reopened to traffic.

At 9:18 a.m. the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a report of a fire at Spadina Crescent and 25th Street East. SFD crews responded and identified smoke coming from an active encampment underneath the University Bridge. 

Fire crews found an individual, unharmed, who was taken into Police custody. The firefighters put out the small fire.

SFD is currently on scene with a rescue truck, high-angle rescue team, and City engineers. The scene is being assessed for safety before being handed over to the Fire Investigator for further examination.

Motorists and pedestrians are asked to avoid the area directly under the University Bridge at this time while crews remain on scene.

More information will be shared upon the completion of the Fire Investigator’s examination. 
 

The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) is teaming up with The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to celebrate Fire Prevention Week on October 6-12, 2024. Leading up to this milestone, SFD will be hosting two Open Houses in support of this year’s theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!”  

Residents are encouraged to visit SFD on the following days: 

Wednesday, September 25 
Fire Station No. 1 
125 Idylwyld Drive South 
5:00-7:30 p.m. 

Wednesday, October 2 
Fire Station No. 8 
207 Slimmon Road 
5:00-7:30 p.m. 

Each open house will include fire engine tours, presentations by the Fire Prevention team, delicious treats, fire swag and the opportunity to meet SFD members from across the department. All are welcome.

At 2:17 a.m. the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a report of a garage fire on the 1300 block of Avenue G North. SFD crews responded and found a detached garage fully involved in flames.  

Fire crews were assigned tactical duties and began to put out the fire. Crews entered the garage to complete a search of the structure and found a person inside. Unfortunately, this individual was pronounced deceased at the scene by SFD Primary Care Paramedics.  

Crews extinguished the fire and the scene was turned over to the Fire Investigator to conduct an examination. The cause of the fire is undetermined. Damage is estimated at $60,000. 

The scene has been transferred to the Saskatoon Police Service to investigate the death.

As a tribute to the firefighters who risk their lives to keep Canadians safe, the second Sunday in September of each year is formally designated in memory of firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty. This year, Firefighters’ National Memorial Day will take place on Sunday, September 8. 

“Firefighters face extraordinary risks in keeping our communities safe,” says Fire Chief Doug Wegren. “On Firefighters’ National Memorial Day, SFD joins cities and fire services across the country in honouring and remembering those who gave their lives in the line of duty. We remember their courage, commitment and unwavering dedication to protecting others.” 

The Saskatoon Fire Department will observe a moment of silence at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 8. Firefighters will be at attention on the ramps of their stations and flags at half-mast in honour of Firefighters’ National Memorial Day.

At 3:37 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a report of a grass fire in Corman Park, between Highway 11 and west of Victor Road.

On arrival, fire crews identified a field on fire. The combination of the air temperature, humidity and wind created difficult conditions for the fire crews. The fire quickly spread to adjacent homes, vehicles and accessory buildings. Due to the size and severity of the fire, SFD called upon the Clavet Fire Rescue for an additional two fire engines.

The fire spread north and south of the fire’s origin. Several local farmers assisted fire crews with creating a fire break using tractors and diskers. Fire crews were able to defend multiple structures, but unfortunately several assets were lost as a result of the fast-moving wind driving the fire.

In coordination with Clavet Fire Rescue, SFD brought the fire under control at approximately 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 21. Fire crews remained on scene to monitor hot spots and have concluded the fire has been completely extinguished.

Damage is estimated to be upwards of $3 million. Cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time.

At 3:37 p.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department received a report of smoke showing South of the city off Highway 11 and West of Victor Road.  Upon arrival, first arriving fire crews identified a field on fire.  Fire crews were on scene at 3:50 p.m.  The Battalion Chief requested additional resources for water supply. Fire had gotten into some brush.  Crews began ensuring no occupants or structures were threatened.  Fire quickly spread to other sections of land due to wind gusting up to 48 km/hr.  

An hour into the incident, another fire service was requested to assist from Clavet.  

This is an active fire at this time, the SFD has three fire engines, two tanker trucks, two brush trucks, the Battalion and Deputy Chief on scene along with our mobile command unit.  

More information will be provided when available.  

At 11:27 a.m. the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received reports of a commercial building on fire on the 2600 block of Jasper Avenue. SFD crews responded and observed heavy smoke coming from the back of a warehouse. All occupants were safely evacuated.   

Fire crews were assigned tactical duties and began to extinguish the fire. Due to the combination of the size of the fire, weather conditions and close proximity to other large structures, a second alarm was called at 11:46 a.m. Another two engines, one ladder truck and Command 9 were dispatched to assist the four fire engines on site. 

Firefighters were able to contain the fire to one corner of the roof. As the incident progressed, the roof was severely compromised, but remained intact.  

After more than three hours of response, SFD declared the fire under control. Fire crews remain on site to monitor hot spots and ensure the fire is completely extinguished. 

A fire investigator is on scene to conduct an examination to identify the cause, origin and damage estimate. 

The Community Support Program (CSP) operated under the management of the Business Improvement Districts since 2012. As of July 1, the management of the CSP has been transferred to the Saskatoon Fire Department, now known as the Fire Community Support (FCS) team.

In the 2024 Budget, six additional staff members were added to provide up to 11,700 hours of transit support, aligning with the program's transition to the Saskatoon Fire Department.

The role of the FCS workers is similar to the more familiar CSP but with the addition of six full-time staff members and increased support for Saskatoon Transit. The FCS team will routinely patrol and engage with individuals in the business areas, on Saskatoon Transit buses, and at bus terminals. They will also ride and patrol targeted bus routes where incidents are more frequent. These routes will be selected based on data collected by the City.

The goal of the FCS team is to connect and build relationships with residents and visitors, including those experiencing challenging situations such as homelessness, mental health issues and addictions. FCS workers are trained with de-escalation skills and will have immediate direct contact with emergency services if necessary.

The FCS workers completed their training this week and have started their full-time rotation. The FCS team will operate two battalions, each consisting of one FCS Supervisor and five FCS members, to provide seven-day-a-week coverage. Each battalion will alternate a four-on-four-off schedule. The start and stop times of these shifts will be based on operational requirements determined using collected data. These shifts will fall primarily between 8:00 a.m. and 12:15 a.m. the following day.

The FCS workers are expected to have a greater presence in the community and on transit routes. If residents are out in the community and see someone in distress, are lost, or happen to see negative street activity, the FCS team can be reached at 306-382-6935.

At 10:27 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a 9-1-1 call reporting a chemical leak at City Hospital.  

Upon arrival, fire crews were met by hospital staff to determine the location of the incident. The chemical spill was in a non-ventilated room. The crew isolated the area and directed people to their muster points.  

The hazmat team was able to identify the substance as Rapicide – a hospital grade disinfectant, which was leaking from a machine. The hazmat technicians turned the machine off and cleaned up the leaked disinfectant. The room was set up for ventilation as the hazmat team moved contaminated materials into an over pack barrel and then transferred the barrel outside for further disposal. The affected area continues to be ventilated and the scene has been transferred to the City Hospital staff. 

Four individuals were identified as being exposed to the chemical. As a precaution, the individuals were assessed by the firefighter paramedics and no injuries or illness were presented. 

City Hospital’s emergency room remains open and operational.