Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

Today the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) is pleased to announce that Assistant Chief Doug Wegren (WEE’-grin) will assume the role of Fire Chief effective May 16. Chief Wegren will replace Morgan Hackl who retired in March after 36 years of service with SFD. 

“Doug is a strong and collaborative leader who has built close ties with the Saskatoon community,” says Jeff Jorgenson, City Manager. “He has an impressive 25-year career at SFD progressing through increasing levels of job responsibility and accountability. Through his work at SFD, he has developed strong relationships with colleagues and community partners and demonstrated exceptional leadership across all areas of the fire service.” 

Wegren attended the University of Saskatchewan, graduating in 1994 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education, and later received his Fire Service Administration certificate and Fire Service Leadership certificate from Dalhousie University. 

In 1999, Wegren started his career with SFD as a Firefighter and EMT. He progressed through the ranks, taking on a variety of roles and responsibilities including F.I.R.E. Cadet Instructor, Fire Service Instructor, Restorative Action Lead, Assistant Chief of Logistics, and Acting Fire Chief. Wegren also played an active role in the City's emergency COVID response. He participated in the City of Saskatoon's Emergency Command Centre, Emergency Management Operations planning section, SFD's Tactical Operations Centre, and engaged with the vulnerable sector. 

“I am humbled by the opportunity to lead such an esteemed fire service in the community that I call home,” says Wegren. “As the new Fire Chief, I am committed to working collaboratively with our partners and all orders of government to meet the evolving needs of our community. It is an honor to work with the exceptional individuals at SFD, and I am excited to lead a dedicated team in providing emergency response to the residents of Saskatoon and the surrounding area.”

In partnership with the Railway Association of Canada, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) is proud to host a Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response (TRANSCAER) training event from May 15-17, 2024, focused on road and railway response.

The road and railway training will take place at the Regional Training Facility in Corman Park over three days and feature presentations by railway personnel, as well as hands-on learning opportunities. The training is intended to inform emergency responders about the different features of railway tank cars and evaluate teams’ emergency response plans by working through scenarios, assessing available equipment and identifying ways to quickly communicate with residents.

“Effective emergency response begins with planning and preparation,” says Anthony Tataryn, Assistant Fire Chief. “SFD is proud to bring a TRANSCAER event back to Saskatchewan. It’s a great opportunity for emergency responders to engage in transportation emergency training and gain valuable hands-on experience. This collaboration with industry experts and emergency response organizations has truly fulfilled the intention of our Regional Training Facility and we’re eager to host more training events like this in the future for the greater benefit of our communities.”

“The Railway Association of Canada and our member railways are proud to partner with CIAC, its members and partners to ensure the safe transportation of Dangerous Goods by rail. Engaging with First Responders and providing hands-on training is essential to keeping communities safe,” says Scott Croome, Director, Dangerous Goods, Railway Association of Canada.  

On April 22, 2024, at 9:58 p.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a report of a dryer fire in the 100 block of 105th Street West.  All occupants reported they were evacuating.  Upon arrival, fire crews reported smoke showing from the front of the two storey condo unit.  A dryer fire with flame showing was extinguished by firefighters using a water pump tank.  

Fire was brought under control at 10:08 p.m. 

One male was checked for smoke inhalation by the ambulance service and was not taken to hospital.  Two other occupants did not need medical attention.  The occupants were temporarily re-housed due to smoke in the unit.  

Fire Investigator was called to conduct a scene examination.  Cause of the fire was mechanical failure.  Damage is estimated at $5,000.

At 9:31 a.m. on April 12, 2024 the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) responded to a report of a vehicle on fire on the driveway of a single family dwelling unit in the 10 block of Moxon Crescent.  One fire engine responded to the fire.  On arrival, fire crews identified an engine compartment of a vehicle involved in fire.  The heat from the fire caused damage to the attached garage in the proximity of the heat.  Fire caused minor damage to the garage.  A Fire Investigator was requested to attend.

The fire investigation has concluded.  Cause of the fire is accidental from an extension cord plugged into the vehicle overheating and igniting.  Origin of the fire has been identified as an extension cord plugged into the block heater.  Damage is estimated at $15,000 to the vehicle and the garage.

With warm weather comes a friendly reminder from the SFD to unplug any exterior extension cords that are designed for below zero weather.  They are heavily insulated and can overheat in warmer temperatures.

No injuries were sustained to citizens or firefighters as a result of this fire. 

The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) responded to a report of a fire in Gabriel Dumont Park at 8:36 a.m. 

Firefighters arrived at the scene and found the wooden pedestrian walkway on fire. The crew was able to extinguish the fire and turned the scene over to the Fire Investigator at 10:05 a.m.

Upon investigation, the Fire Investigator concluded the cause of the fire to be undetermined. Signs of an abandoned encampment were present in the immediate area. 

The Fire Investigator has turned the scene back over to the City of Saskatoon Facilities Department. The walkway has sustained severe structural damage and will be closed until an assessment and repairs can be made. Pedestrians are asked to avoid the area and follow signage directing them to use an alternate route until the walkway is reopened.  

The Fire Investigator has concluded the fire investigation for the garage fire in the 100 block of Avenue L South that occurred on April 7, 2024.  Fire started along the fence between two properties.  Minor fire damage that extended to two garages and a shed.  Damage is estimated at $10,000.  The fire is suspicious.  Saskatoon Police Service will continue their portion of the investigation.

If anyone has information related to this fire, please call the Saskatoon Police Service at (306) 975-8300.

The apartment complex in the 3100 block of 33rd Street West had to be shut down by the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) due to the utilities not being able to be restored.  SFD's Fire Investigator has reported that the property owner is temporarily rehousing all occupants of the 26 occupied units to a hotel until the building is habitable.  It is unknown how many occupants are being displaced at this time but all tenants are being safely rehoused.

The fire investigation will continue and further information will be reported once available.

At 8:52 p.m. on April 7, 2024, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a report of a garage fire in the 100 block of Avenue L South.  On arrival, a fire to the exterior of a garage with overhead lines being involved was reported by the first arriving firefighters.  Fire crews initiated an exterior attack on the fire.  During the course of extinguishment, one firefighter sustained minor injuries.  This fire was brought quickly under control and contained to the exterior of the garage.  Fire crews are finishing extinguishment at this time.

Further details will be provided once available.  A Fire Investigator is attending to conduct a cause and origin fire scene examination.

Please avoid the area to allow for emergency personnel to safely conduct their work.

At 7:41 p.m. on April 7, 2024, the Saskatoon Fire Department Communications Center received a call of alarm bells ringing in the 3100 Block of 33rd Street West inside a multi residential complex.  Upon arrival, fire crews determined a fire in the basement suite of building B of an apartment complex.  First arriving firefighters initiated an exterior extinguishment.  All incoming fire crews were assigned their tactical duties.  An unknown aged male sustained undetermined injuries and was treated by the ambulance service and transported to hospital.  

Fire crews remain on the scene at this time.  A Fire Investigator has been requested to conduct a cause and origin fire scene examination.

Further information will be provided once available.  Please avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to safely conduct their work.

Correction to Police Service phone number, if you have information report it to:

(306) 975-8300.

On April 3, 2024, at 9:27 a.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) responded to a report of smoke showing from a single family dwelling unit in the 100 Block of Avenue O South.  Three fire engines, one ladder unit, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief responded.  On arrival, it was identified that the structure was vacant and boarded.  Upon entry into the structure, fire crews identified a small fire on the main floor.  The fire was quickly brought under control at 9:44 a.m.

The Fire Investigator was requested to attend.  A cause and origin examination was conducted and has now been concluded.  Fire originated on the main floor in a wood burning fireplace.  Cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.  Indications at the fire scene were that occupants were possibly inside the structure prior to SFD's arrival but not definite.  Damage is estimated at $10,000.

Structure has been re-secured and turned over to an agent for the property owner.  

If anyone has information related to this fire, please call our police service at (306) 975-3200.

At 6:07 a.m. on March 12, 2024, the Saskatoon Fire Department Communications Center received a report of a structure fire in the 200 block of Avenue F South.  Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched.  First arriving fire crew reported flames visible through the roof and smoke coming out of all second floor windows of the structure.  Incoming fire apparatus were assigned their tactical duties. Incident command ordered fire fighters to perform a transitional attack. Water was initially applied to the fire from an exterior position and then the attack crew quickly made entry into the structure to locate and fully extinguish the fire.  Fire Investigator was requested.

The fire was located and knocked down quickly, however do to the lathe and plaster construction of the structure fire crews faced the difficult challenge of opening walls and ceilings to ensure complete extinguishment. By 7:42 a.m. fire suppression crews had achieved this task and begin packing up their equipment enabling them to return to there respective stations.  At 8:02 a.m. the scene was turned over to the Fire Investigator.

No injuries to civilians or firefighters resulted from this fire.  

The Fire Investigator was unable to find definitive proof to the cause of this fire and therefore has deemed the cause to be undetermined. The origin of the fire was determined to be in a room located on the second floor.

Damage from this fire is estimated at $150,000.

This is an update and follow up to the fire that occurred in the 4000 Block of Taylor Street East. 

The Saskatoon Fire Investigator has concluded the investigation and deemed the fire to be accidental. The fire originated in the garage and was caused by a malfunction of an electrical component. The damage to the structure is estimated to be $200,000.

At 5:59 a.m. on March 11, 2024, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) Communications Center received a report of a structure fire in the 4000 block of Taylor Street East.  Dispatched to the fire scene were three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief.  First arriving fire crews reported a single family dwelling unit with an attached garage that was fully involved.  Flames were visible through the roof.  All incoming fire crews were assigned tactical duties.  Utilities were requested to be shut down for scene safety.  At 6:26 a.m., the roof of the garage collapsed.  Fire crews continue to extinguish the fire from exterior vantage points.  

Fire crews and the Fire Investigator remain on scene at this time.  An update will be provided once available.  

SFD requests that motorists and pedestrians avoid this area to allow for a safe working environment for emergency personnel.

The structure fire in the 200 block of Avenue K North has been structurally compromised by fire.  Our Fire Investigator is unable to perform a cause and origin fire scene examination for safety reasons.  The cause and origin of the fire is undetermined.  Damage is estimated at $200,000.  Utilities are being safely removed and the structure will be taken down in a controlled manner by an excavation company later this afternoon.  Fencing will be erected around the property to keep person(s) out of the area.  Our Fire Investigator will be following up with an order to remedy requiring that the fire debris be removed, the foundation hole be filled in and the site levelled.

Once the structure is taken down and the site secured this afternoon, the Fire Investigator will turn the property over to the property owner.

If any one has information about this fire, please contact our partners at the Saskatoon Police Service at (306) 975-8300.

At 4:32 a.m. on February 27, 2024, the Saskatoon Fire Communications Center received a report of a structure on fire in the 200 block of Avenue K North.  Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one ladder truck and the Battalion Chief were dispatched.  First arriving fire crews reported a boarded up single family dwelling unit with heavy smoke showing.  All incoming crews were assigned tactical duties.  Fire was identified in the basement.  Suppression of the fire was initiated from the exterior.  Fire was extending throughout the structure to its roof.  At 5:23 a.m., flames were visible on the main floor and attic.  Utilities were shut down for scene safety.  This fire continues to be extinguished from the exterior.

Firefighters remain on the scene at this time.  Extremely cold weather conditions have been challenging for fire crews and equipment.  

The Fire Investigator was requested and is on scene at this time.  More information will be provided as soon as practical.

Please avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to safely conduct their operations.

At 2:26 a.m. on February 22, 2024, the Saskatoon Fire Department responded to an alarm monitoring company reporting a signal received for a building in the 600 Block of Saskatchewan Crescent West.  Three fire engines and one ladder truck were dispatched.  First arriving fire crew could hear the sprinkler alarm ringing.  Smoke was visible and water was flowing on the second floor.   Fire crews located an extinguished fire in the ceiling space of a suite.  A fire investigator was requested to attend.  

The fire investigation has concluded.  The fire originated in the ceiling space of a suite.  Cause of the fire was accidental from work being performed in the ceiling space the day before.  Smoldering insulation ignited the wood truss above the drywall.  Enough heat was generated to melt the sprinkler pipe which caused the water flow alarm to provide an audible alert within the building and send a signal to the alarm monitoring company.  Water flowing from the melted sprinkler pipe, extinguished the fire.  Fire and water damage is estimated at $500,000.

There were no injuries as a result of this fire.

For immediate release: February 5, 2024

The fire that occurred on the 3800 block of Diefenbaker Drive on February 4th, 2024 has concluded and the the cause of the fire is undetermined. Fire damage is estimated at $200,000.

At 7:25 pm on February 4, 2024, Saskatoon Fire Department Communications received a report of a structure fire in the 3800 Block of Diefenbaker Drive.  Dispatched were three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief.  At 7:30 pm, the first arriving fire crew reported a two story structure fully involved in fire.  The incident commander assigned tactical duties to incoming fire crews.  An interior attack on the fire was initiated.  Utilities were requested to be shut down for scene safety on the fire ground.  At 8:16 pm an exterior attack on the fire in the basement was initiated to support extinguishment.  Fire Investigator was requested to attend.

Fire was brought under control at 8:47 pm.  Fire crews are still on scene at this time.  

No injury to occupants or firefighters have occurred as result of this fire at this time.

More information will follow once the Fire Investigator has conducted the cause and origin investigation for the fire.

At 1:42 p.m. on January 31, 2024, the Saskatoon Fire Department Communications Center received notification from the ambulance service to respond for a patient in the 100 Block of Horner Crescent where a floor collapsed.  Dispatched to the incident were one fire engine, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief.   While responding, we received further information that there may be two patients with another person needing rescue from the 5th floor. 

On arrival, fire crews were advised that all construction personnel were accounted for but needing rescue from upper storeys.  Initial information was that concrete slabs were being installed for flooring when it collapsed 5 storeys.  Our Heavy Urban Search and Rescue were team were put on standby but not required to respond to the scene.  A firefighter paramedic was tied off and put into position to rescue a person on the roof.  At 2:38 p.m., the person was rescued from the roof.

Currently, our Battalion Chief and fire crews are working with the owner of the property and safety officers for the construction site.  Patient care had been transferred to the ambulance service.

At 5:05 am on January 16, 2024 Saskatoon Fire Department received a call for a possible structure fire on the 100 block of McLeod Avenue. An additional call received from an employee on site stated there was visible flames inside the wall space. Saskatoon Fire Communications Center dispatched to the scene three rescue engines, 1 ladder truck, 1 rescue unit and 1 Battalion Chief. 

On arrival crews quickly located the fire that was identified by the caller that was seen through a crack in the walls. Further investigation found that the fire may have possibly spread to the roof of the structure and once roof access was made crews found visible flames.

Due to the size of the structure and the weather conditions, the fire crews are being challenged. The fire crews are dealing with a fire in a difficult to access location, hose lines freezing, slippery conditions, and maintaining the safety of everyone on scene. A fire investigator has been called to attend and an update on the findings will be provided when available.

This is an update and follow up to the fire that occurred in the 3300 block of Fairlight Drive on January 15, 2024.

The Saskatoon Fire Investigator estimates the damage from this fire to be $175,000. No injuries were reported as a result of this fire.

The investigation has been turned over to the Saskatoon Police Service.

This is an update on the two-alarm commercial fire that occurred on 33rd Street East on January 12, 2024.

Saskatoon Fire Department Investigators have deemed the cause of this fire to be accidental.

The fire originated in a piece on machinery on the fourth floor of the structure, a malfunction of the machine created the point of ignition. The fire traveled through the mill process piping and spread to the sixth floor, which sustained considerable damage. The total damage from the fire is still be assessed however the fire investigator estimates that the damage will exceed 5 million dollars.