Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

Saskatoon Fire Department responds to a basement apartment fire on Confederation Drive

At 07:20 this evening The Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a basement fire on the 700 block of Confederation Drive. 

Three Engines an Aerial Ladder a Heavy Rescue Truck and a Battalion Chief were dispatched to the scene.

First arriving crews arrived and found a 3 storey residential apartment building with some occupants evacuating.  Crews found smoke in the hallways and entered to evacuate the building and search for possible trapped occupants.  Crews located and extinguished a fire that was confined to one of the suites in the basement.

Power ventilation fans was used to clear the smoke from the building before the occupants could be allowed to return to their suites. 

There were no injuries reported as a result of this fire.

A Fire Investigation Unit was called to the scene and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation. 

Damages are estimated at $10,000.

The Saskatoon Fire Department would like to remind residents and visitors of safe practices when purchasing, enjoying, and disposing of fireworks. This Labour Day, Monday, September 2nd, low-hazard fireworks can only be discharged on private property between the hours of dusk and 11:00 p.m.

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 each type of firework being discharged; requirements vary depending on the firework type,
• Be sure to properly stabilize the firework according to manufacturer directions, and
• Keep in mind that you are solely responsible for any debris that may land on your spectators or an adjacent property.

When you are ready to discharge the fireworks, ensure that weather conditions are favourable, and that all spectators are safely located to observe the display. Remember to always light the fuse at its tip; 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. 

Nutrien Fireworks Festival:

If choosing to enjoy the Nutrien Fireworks Festival from the South Saskatchewan River, be sure to exercise proper river etiquette by:

• Ensuring your craft is equipped with appropriate markers and lighting for navigating in the dark,
• Operating your human- or motor-powered craft in a safe manner,
• Maintaining a respectful distance from all other river users,
• Not operating any type of craft while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and
• Caring for the environment by properly launching, fueling, starting, and loading your craft.

It's important to remember that you may not be the only craft on the waterway; always be aware of your surroundings and monitor the actions of other river users.

Currently, there is no fire ban in effect for Saskatoon. It's always recommended that residents and visitors celebrate safely at public firework displays that are hosted by a trusted organization. If you choose to observe the fireworks from the South Saskatchewan River, the Saskatoon Fire Department emphasizes the importance of exercising proper river etiquette. If you choose to celebrate Labour Day by sending off your own fireworks, follow all safety practices and only send them off within the specified time frame.

The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Labour Day!

 In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

At approximately 1206 a.m Saskatoon fire Department responded to a structure fire at Anderson Paving. Saskatoon Fire Department dispatched 3 pumpers, 1 rescue truck, 1 aerial apparatus along with a battalion chief to the scene where there was heavy smoke  visible from the second level of the building. Crew did size up of the building and used an offensive attack. Crew breached the door and attacked the fire while encountering heavy smoke as well as intense heat. Fire was found on the second floor. Fire was under control in approximately 30 minutes. Searches where done in the building for occupants and was determined to  be all clear,

Saskatoon fire Department investigator arrived on scene to try determine the cause of fire which is still under investigation as well as damage estimate.

At approximately 01:49 this morning the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting flames showing from a structure in the alleyway behind the 1400 Block of Avenue C North. Three Fire Engines, one Ladder Truck, one Heavy Rescue Unit, one Fire Investigation Unit, and one Battalion Chief were dispatched to the incident.

Fire Crew arrived on scene within 4 minutes of being dispatched. Upon arrival, crews found a fully involved vehicle fire that was impinging on a detached garage and fence. The fire was quickly brought under control and extinguished. Fire crews performed a search of the motor vehicle and confirmed there were no occupants. The detached garage only sustained damage to the exterior of the structure as a result of the fire. There were no injuries reported at this incident.

A Fire Investigator is currently on scene working to determine a cause. A damage estimate is not available at this time.

The Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a house fire in the 1000 Block of Avenue F North at approximately 6:16 this evening. Three Fire Engines, one Ladder Truck, one Heavy Rescue Unit, one Fire Investigation Unit, and one Battalion Chief were dispatched to the incident.

Fire Crews arrived on scene within 4 minutes of being dispatched. Upon arrival, black smoke was seen coming from the front of the house. Fire crews made entry into the structure and initiated an offensive fire attack. Fire fighters encountered black smoke and heat as they entered the building. The fire was quickly brought under control and extinguished. Fire crews performed searches of each level in the house, finding no occupants or extension of the fire. There were no injuries as a result of this incident.

A Fire Investigator is currently on scene working to determine a cause. A damage estimate is not available at this time.

At approximately 11:20 A.M. August 24, 2019 the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a garage fire at 2413 Albert Ave.  Three engines, 1 aerial, 1 heavy rescue and a battalion chief responded to the scene.  Heavy thick black smoke was reported as visible by the responding units during their response.  On arrival fire crews made a defensive attack on the fire as flames and heavy smoke exited through the roof.  Two vehicles were inside at the time of the fire along with two barrels of fuel and a tank of acetylene.  Heat from the flames also caused damage to the home, the fence and the neighbouring garage.  The garage roof collapsed into the garage during the fire.  Fire crews had the fire under control in 27 minutes.

There were no injuries as a result of this fire, a Fire Investigator is on scene.  At this time the cause of the fire has not been determined and a damage estimate is not available  yet.

At approximately 6:13 A.M. The Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a 2 vehicle MVC where one vehicle was reported to have rolled on it's roof.   One engine, one heavy rescue and a battalion chief responded to this incident,  crews stabilized and de-energized the vehicle and extricated the lone occupant by removing a door using the hydraulic tools.   The occupant was checked for injuries by the fire department paramedics, no injuries where reported on scene, however the driver was transported to hospital for further evaluation.

No other injuries occurred as a result of this incident, the cause is being investigated.

The Saskatoon Fire Department has concluded at the scene of a water rescue operation near the Victoria Boathouse.

At approximately 5:42 this evening, a firefighter-diver performing a hand search of the river's bottom located the body of a deceased male a short distance from where credible witness reports had identified his last known location as being. Upon recovery and removal of the body from the river, the scene was turned over to the Saskatoon Police Service and the Office of the Chief Coroner for further investigation.

There will be no further updates provided from the Saskatoon Fire Department in relation to this incident.

--

At approximately 1:33 this afternoon, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call alerting to a person in distress in the area of the Victoria Boathouse.

One fire engine, two water rescue units, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. Multiple river users witnessed the submersion of the individual; the initial 911 caller provided a description to fire dispatchers and remained on scene to direct fire department personnel to the individual's last known location. 

Water rescue boats equipped with sonar technology and firefighter-divers have been deployed onto the South Saskatchewan River. An immediate search has commenced to identify any abnormalities below the water's surface.

Members of the public are advised to avoid using the river in the area of the Victoria Boathouse to maintain the safety and proficiency of water rescue personnel working on scene.

This is an ongoing incident and additional information will be provided as it becomes known.  

At approximately 1:33 this afternoon, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call alerting to a person in distress in the area of the Victoria Boathouse.

One fire engine, two water rescue units, and one battalion chief were dispatched for response. Multiple river users witnessed the submersion of the individual; the initial 911 caller provided a description to fire dispatchers and remained on scene to direct fire department personnel to the individual's last known location. 

Water rescue boats equipped with sonar technology and firefighter-divers have been deployed onto the South Saskatchewan River. An immediate search has commenced to identify any abnormalities below the water's surface.

Members of the public are advised to avoid using the river in the area of the Victoria Boathouse to maintain the safety and proficiency of water rescue personnel working on scene.

This is an ongoing incident and additional information will be provided as it becomes known.  

Saskatoon Fire Department responded to a two vehicle collision at 16:20 this afternoon. Dispatch sent two Engines, one Heavy Rescue Unit, and one Battalion Chief to Avenue C and Circle Drive.

On arrival, Fire crews verified two vehicles involved. One was a small car and the other a passenger van. The occupant of the car had exited the vehicle before arrival of the Fire Department crews. The van was on its side with the single occupant still inside. It was being supported by multiple bystanders to prevent it from rolling further onto its roof. 

Fire crews quickly stabilized the van to ensure safety while the Fire paramedics entered the interior to access and stabilize the occupant. All bystanders were moved away to a safe area. The van roof was cut and flapped down to enable extrication of the patient. She was then passed over to the ambulance service and transported to Royal University Hospital with undetermined injuries. The driver of the car had no reported injuries. 

Police remain on scene at this time. Traffic flow will be temporarily affected until the intersection is cleared.