Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

The Saskatoon Fire Department has concluded the investigation into a fire that occurred in the 100 block of Girgulis Crescent on April 21, 2020.

A fire investigator has identified the cause to be accidental in nature as a result of the improper use of a heat lamp. The heat lamp came into contact with nearby combustible materials and subsequently ignited the fire. Damage has been estimated at approximately $200,000.

Members of the public are reminded to keep at least 1-metre (3-feet) of distance between heating equipment and combustible materials; it is also advised that all heating equipment be used in accordance with manufacturer direction.

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At approximately 9:53 a.m. on April 21, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call alerting to a possible structure fire in the 100 block of Girgulis Crescent. It was reported that smoke was filling the house, an adult female and a youth male had self-evacuated, and that family pets remained inside.

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 crew, smoke was observed exiting the house and heavy heat could be felt. Fire crews immediately connected to nearby hydrants and began softening the fire from the exterior before making entry inside. Utilities to the structure were shut off by firefighters and ventilation was started in an effort to increase visibility. A fire located in a bedroom that had extended into a bathroom was quickly found and extinguished by fire crews.

Searches of the house resulted in the rescue of two cats and one reptile; none of the animals appeared to be in distress when rescued.

Fire crews remain on scene conducting ventilation and overhaul efforts. A fire investigator is working to identify a cause and has not yet assessed the damage.

At approximately 7:22 a.m. on April 23, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department responded to the 1100 block of McNaughton Avenue with three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief after receiving reports of a garage on fire.

The first responding fire crew observed a double detached garage with smoke visibly exiting the structure upon their arrival. Utilities supplying the structure were shut down by arriving fire crews. Firefighters located and extinguished a fire on the interior of the garage in less than 10 minutes of the first fire engine arriving on scene. No extension of the fire was found and no injuries were reported. 

Fire crews conducted ventilation of the structure using electric fans prior to clearing the scene and returning to their stations to continue serving Saskatoon.

A fire investigator is working to determine a cause and damage estimate. 

At approximately 9:53 a.m. on April 21, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call alerting to a possible structure fire in the 100 block of Girgulis Crescent. It was reported that smoke was filling the house, an adult female and a youth male had self-evacuated, and that family pets remained inside.

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 crew, smoke was observed exiting the house and heavy heat could be felt. Fire crews immediately connected to nearby hydrants and began softening the fire from the exterior before making entry inside. Utilities to the structure were shut off by firefighters and ventilation was started in an effort to increase visibility. A fire located in a bedroom that had extended into a bathroom was quickly found and extinguished by fire crews.

Searches of the house resulted in the rescue of two cats and one reptile; none of the animals appeared to be in distress when rescued.

Fire crews remain on scene conducting ventilation and overhaul efforts. A fire investigator is working to identify a cause and has not yet assessed the damage.

At approximately 4:34 p.m. on April 20, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department was alerted to a motor vehicle collision involving a semi-trailer unit that had made impact with an overpass at Highway 11 and Circle Drive East.

Two fire engines, one rescue unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Upon arrival of the first responding fire crew, it was confirmed that nobody was injured, no hazardous materials were involved, and that the overpass remained visibly operational; there was a significant debris field of broken cement that had fallen after impact. Fire dispatchers notified the City of Saskatoon and requested that an engineer attend the scene to assess the structural integrity of the overpass.

Firefighters used fire engines to block traffic, creating a safe work environment as they removed debris from the roadway.

The scene was left with the Saskatoon Police Service for further investigation. 

At approximately 12:31 p.m. on April 17, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a request for assistance from the Saskatoon Police Service to recover evidence that had been discarded on the roof of a structure.

One aerial ladder truck was dispatched to the 400 block of Queen Street to prepare a plan of action for retrieval. Upon discussion with police officers on scene, it was decided that hooked roof ladders would be the safest and most efficient method to access the roof.

Firefighters recovered one firearm from the roof of the structure and transferred possession to the Saskatoon Police Service.

The fire crew has since returned to their station to continue serving Saskatoon.

The Saskatoon Fire Department has concluded at the scene of a water recovery operation in the area of Spadina Crescent East and 25th Street East.

The scene has been left with the Saskatoon Police Service and the Office of the Chief Coroner for further investigation.

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At approximately 12:45 p.m. on April 17, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department dispatched one fire engine, two water rescue units, and one battalion chief to the area of Spadina Crescent East near 25th Street East for reports of a possible person in the water.

Upon arrival of the first responding fire crew, confirmation of a deceased male body near the shore's edge was made. 

Two water rescue units have been deployed onto the South Saskatchewan River for recovery of the body.

There is a large presence of fire and police personnel on scene and members of the public are asked to avoid travel through the area.

This incident is ongoing.

At approximately 12:45 p.m. on April 17, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department dispatched one fire engine, two water rescue units, and one battalion chief to the area of Spadina Crescent East near 25th Street East for reports of a possible person in the water.

Upon arrival of the first responding fire crew, confirmation of a deceased male body near the shore's edge was made. 

Two water rescue units have been deployed onto the South Saskatchewan River for recovery of the body.

There is a large presence of fire and police personnel on scene and members of the public are asked to avoid travel through the area.

This incident is ongoing.

The Saskatoon Fire Department and the Saskatoon Police Service have concluded the on-scene investigation into a fire that occurred in the basement of a residence in the 1800 block of 20th Street West on the morning of April 16, 2020.

The fire has been identified as incendiary and originated inside a plumbing appliance in a basement bathroom.

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At approximately 3:07 a.m. on April 16, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a single 911 call reporting a basement filling with smoke; the caller and lone occupant was instructed by fire dispatchers to immediately self-evacuate to a safe location. 

Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Upon arrival, fire crews prepared hose lines and made entry into the basement; a small fire was located in the bathroom and was fully extinguished within 20 minutes of first receiving notification of the incident. One middle-aged male was medically assessed on-scene for the effects of smoke inhalation; his exposure is believed to be minimal. Ventilation of the structure was conducted using electric fans to clear any remaining smoke and toxins. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation by both the Saskatoon Fire Department and the Saskatoon Police Service. Damage has been estimated at approximately $10,000.

At approximately 3:07 a.m. on April 16, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a single 911 call reporting a basement filling with smoke; the caller and lone occupant was instructed by fire dispatchers to immediately self-evacuate to a safe location. 

Three fire engines, one rescue unit, one aerial ladder truck, one fire investigation unit, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. 

Upon arrival, fire crews prepared hose lines and made entry into the basement; a small fire was located in the bathroom and was fully extinguished within 20 minutes of first receiving notification of the incident. One middle-aged male was medically assessed on-scene for the effects of smoke inhalation; his exposure is believed to be minimal. Ventilation of the structure was conducted using electric fans to clear any remaining smoke and toxins. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation by both the Saskatoon Fire Department and the Saskatoon Police Service. Damage has been estimated at approximately $10,000.

The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes to correct the address of a structure fire that occurred on April 14, 2020; the correct address is 216 Avenue F South, not 201 as was previously reported. 

Fire crews remained on scene into the early evening to perform overhaul efforts and extinguish remaining hot spots. A loss stopped was declared at approximately 6:09 p.m.

The fire, being jointly investigated by the Saskatoon Fire Department and the Saskatoon Police Service, has been identified as incendiary; it originated on the main level and quickly extended upwards through to the attic of the structure. The structure is considered a total loss with an estimated $200,000 in damage.

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At approximately 2:58 p.m. on April 14, 2020, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call alerting to a possible structure fire in the 200 block of Avenue F South.

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, a working structure fire at an abandoned and unoccupied house was confirmed; flames were visibly exiting from the back of the structure. The commanding fire officer ordered a defensive attack on the fire; firefighters immediately began preparing hydrants and flowing water to begin extinguishment while a laddered connection was made to allow fire crews to breach exterior access points on the upper level and roof of the structure.

All utilities to the structure have been shut off by firefighters or were previously disconnected by utility technicians.

Fire crews have transitioned into an offensive attack on the fire; searches are being performed to confirm vacancy and to identify areas of extension of the fire.

The Saskatoon Police Service have traffic restrictions in place and members of the public are asked to avoid the area. 

This incident is ongoing and an update will be provided as additional information becomes know.