Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

The Saskatoon Fire Department has concluded its interviews and scene examination into the cause of the kitchen fire that occurred in the 800 Block of Appleby Drive yesterday.

Cause of the fire has been determined as accidental.  Fire originated on the top of the stove due to an element being turned on by accident.  This caused a cardboard pizza box to ignite that had been sitting on the element.  Damage is still estimated to be $80,000.  

At 09:05 a.m. the Saskatoon Fire Department Communications Centre received a call for a fire in a suite at this property.  Three engines, one rescue engine, aerial unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched.  First arriving Fire Officer reported smoke showing from the second floor.  Fire Crews entered a suite on the second floor.  This fire was brought under control at 09:24 a.m.  The fire was contained to the suite.   Ventilation to remove smoke from the building was performed by fire personnel.  

The Fire Investigator is conducting a cause and origin scene examination at this time.  Fire originated in the kitchen.  Damage is estimated to be $80,000.

Further information will be provided once the fire investigation has concluded.

At 12:11 a.m., a multi vehicle accident was reported to the Saskatoon Fire Department Communications Centre.  One engine, one rescue engine and the Battalion Chief were dispatched.  On arrival, fire crews identified four vehicles involved.  One patient was extricated by SFD and care of the patient was transferred to the ambulance service.  All other persons involved in the accident were assessed by ambulance crews.

Prior to leaving the scene with the Saskatoon Police Service, fire crews ensured all vehicles were de-energized and fluids were not leaking onto the roadway. 

At 7:05 p.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department Communications Centre received a call reporting smoke visible on the ground floor of a 3 storey apartment building.  Caller was instructed by the Fire Dispatcher to pull the pull station in the hallway to alert all occupants and leave the building.  Three engines, an aerial, a rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched to this incident.  The first engine company arrived at 7:08 p.m. and identified the fire in a suite on the ground floor.  A Fire Investigator was dispatched to the incident. 

Fire crews entered the suite and encountered heavy smoke. One individual was found deceased inside the suite.  

The fire was brought under control at 7:39 p.m.  Prior to leaving the scene with the Fire Investigator, the fire crews checked the building for CO and found 0 ppm.  

The Fire Investigator has determined the cause of the fire to be accidental.  Fire originated in the kitchen behind the fridge.  Fire and smoke damage are estimated to be $120,000 to the building.  

At 6:17 p.m. the Saskatoon Fire Department Communications Centre received a 9-1-1 call from an occupant reporting a loud bang and the carbon monoxide alarms in the hallway ringing.  One engine company was dispatched to investigate the report of the CO alarms ringing with no signs and symptoms of CO poisoning presenting from the residents.  On arrival, the fire crews identified 1600 ppm of carbon monoxide.  Additional fire personnel were requested to assist with evacuation.  Three more engines, an aerial apparatus and the Battalion Chief were dispatched to the property.

SaskEnergy and City of Saskatoon Transit bus were requested to attend.  The Fire Investigator was dispatched to the scene.  It was identified that the exhaust serving the boiler had been broken on the exterior of the building.  Children had been playing around the exhaust.  It was reported to the fire crews that they had been hanging off the exhaust pipes which which caused the break at the exterior causing the ventilation to be damaged.  This caused the boiler to be exhausted into the building instead of the exterior causing the high levels of carbon monoxide.

SaskEnergy worked with the property owner's to repair the ventilation.  Repairs were complete, the boiler was restored and turned back on.  SaskEnergy and fire crews took readings to ensure carbon monoxide is no longer being exhausted into the building.  Residents were situated in a warm City Bus while repairs were conducted. 

SaskEnergy has confirmed at this time that it is safe for residents to return to their suites.

Carbon Monoxide alarms save lives.  Thank you to our partners at the City of Saskatoon Transit and SaskEnergy Technicians for their quick response and collaboration in keeping our community safe.