Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

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. 

At approximately 3:03 p.m. on May 16, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department responded with two fire engines, two water tankers, two brush trucks, and one battalion chief to reports of a significant grass fire that had involved a structure in Corman Park. 

Upon arrival, fire crews confirmed the reports of a grass fire involving a structure and immediately began establishing water supplies to extinguish the fire. One structure has been lost as a result of this fire. Fire crews remain on scene and an update will be provided upon additional information becoming known.

At approximately 9:29 a.m. on May 16, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a single 911 call alerting to a small grass fire in the Furdale district of Corman Park. One fire engine, one water tanker, and one brush truck attended the scene. 

Upon arrival, the commanding fire officer noted a small grass fire that was confined to an area of brush and miscellaneous items in the yard; no structures were at risk of becoming involved. Firefighters brought the fire under control within 12 minutes of arriving on scene. It is understood that this fire was accidentally set; however, as this area falls outside of the Saskatoon Fire Department's investigative jurisdiction, a confirmed cause and damage estimate will not be provided. 

There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident and fire crews have since returned to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon and surrounding area.

At approximately 7:31 a.m. on May 15, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received internal radio communication from the Saskatoon Police Service alerting to a deck on fire in the 400 block of Avenue S South. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Firefighters arrived on scene in less than four minutes to find a small section of the rear deck on a boarded-up residential property involved in fire. The fire was brought under control within three minutes of the first fire engine arriving on scene. Fire crews forced entry into the structure to perform searches; no occupants were located inside and no further extension of the fire was found.

This fire is considered to be suspicious in nature. A fire investigator is working to identify a cause and assess the damage.

The Saskatoon Fire Department would like to remind residents and visitors of safe practices for purchasing, enjoying, and disposing of fireworks. This Victoria Day, Monday, May 18^th, low-hazard fireworks can only be discharged on private property between the hours of dusk and 11:00 p.m.

Low-hazard fireworks are designed for public recreational use and include roman candles and sparklers, among others, and travel less than 50m (160ft) high.

High-hazard fireworks are designed for professionals and can only be purchased by persons holding a valid Fireworks Supervisor – Level I or Level II card issued by Natural Resources Canada.

Residents and visitors are reminded of the risks and obligations associated with fireworks:

• Carefully read and follow the manufacturer instructions,
• Exercise increased caution when handling and discharging any type of firework,
• Choose your location wisely, noting that fireworks can only be discharged on private property,
• Ensure your location is free of overhead obstructions, is clear side-to-side, and is a safe distance from combustible materials,
• Familiarize yourself with the space requirements for the type of firework being discharged; requirements vary depending on the firework type,
• Be sure to properly stabilize the firework according to manufacturer direction, and
• Keep in mind that you are solely responsible for any debris that may land on your spectators or another’s property.

After dusk, when you are ready to discharge the fireworks, ensure that it is not windy and that all spectators are safely located to observe the display. Remember to always light the fuse at its tip; other than sparklers, never light or hold a lit firework in your hand. Always have a water supply available when discharging fireworks.

Wait at least 30 minutes before beginning the clean-up process. At that time, it’s a good idea to dispose of used fireworks and debris in a pail of water. Never try to relight or fix the fuse on fireworks that didn’t go off.

Always be extremely careful when discharging fireworks. The debris or smoldering embers could cause injuries, property damage, and/or fires.

Currently, there is no fire ban in effect for the City of Saskatoon. Fire bans are in effect in surrounding communities; please consult your rural municipality for information specific to your community. If you choose to celebrate Victoria Day by sending off your own fireworks, please follow all recommended safety practices and comply with public health orders, including physical distancing measures and public gathering restrictions, relative to COVID-19.

The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and healthy Victoria Day!

On May 14, 2020 between the hours of 2:59 a.m. and 3:16 a.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department responded to multiple reports of structures and commercial garbage bins on fire in the Pleasant Hill and Meadowgreen neighbourhoods. One additional commercial garbage bin fire was reported in the Lawson Heights neighbourhood at approximately 6:56 a.m.

These fires are considered to be suspicious in nature and are under investigation by both the Saskatoon Fire Department and the Saskatoon Police Service. Members of the public are encouraged to report non-emergent suspicious activity by calling 306-975-8300; in an emergency, call 911 immediately.

A fire investigator continues to search for the cause of a fire that occurred in the 2700 block of Eastview on the evening of May 12, 2020, citing it as undetermined at this time. The damage has been estimated at approximately $100,000 to the structure and affected contents.

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At approximately 8:13 p.m. on May 12, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a house on fire in the 2700 block of Eastview. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Upon arrival of the first responding fire engine, thick black smoke was observed exiting a single story residential house; the lone occupant was reported to have self-evacuated. Firefighters made entry through a side door, quickly locating a fire in the basement. Fire dispatchers requested the attendance of utility technicians as firefighters shut down the gas supply. Fire crews performed searches of the house, finding no further extension of the fire beyond the basement. Overhaul efforts were conducted to search for and extinguish remaining hot spots while the house was ventilated of remaining smoke and carbon monoxide.

There were no injuries to fire or civilian personnel as a result of this incident. A fire investigator is working to identify a cause and evaluate the damage.

At approximately 4:00 p.m. on May 12, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department responded with one fire engine, one water tanker, and one brush truck south to the area of Paradise Beach for multiple reports of a grass fire near the recreational site's parking lot.

Upon arrival, a small area of about 45 metres wide was burning near the South Saskatchewan River. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes of arriving on scene. No structures were damaged and no injuries were reported as a result of this fire.

As this area is outside of the Saskatoon Fire Department's investigative jurisdiction, a cause of origin will not be provided.

At approximately 8:13 p.m. on May 12, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a house on fire in the 2700 block of Eastview. Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Upon arrival of the first responding fire engine, thick black smoke was observed exiting a single story residential house; the lone occupant was reported to have self-evacuated. Firefighters made entry through a side door, quickly locating a fire in the basement. Fire dispatchers requested the attendance of utility technicians as firefighters shut down the gas supply. Fire crews performed searches of the house, finding no further extension of the fire beyond the basement. Overhaul efforts were conducted to search for and extinguish remaining hot spots while the house was ventilated of remaining smoke and carbon monoxide.

There were no injuries to fire or civilian personnel as a result of this incident. A fire investigator is working to identify a cause and evaluate the damage. 

At approximately 4:50 p.m. on May 12, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department was alerted by a retired staff member to a person in distress in the South Saskatchewan River. One fire engine, two water rescue units, and one battalion chief were dispatched to the scene. 

Upon arrival of responding fire crews the male in distress, presenting as uncooperative and threatening, was near the shore's edge in a location challenging to access. Water rescue units were deployed onto the South Saskatchewan River; fire and police personnel established a plan, working from both the shore's edge and the water to safely conduct the operation. Shortly after 5:30 p.m. the male was removed from the water and transferred to the Saskatoon Police Service.

Firefighters have since cleared the scene and returned to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon.