Saskatoon Fire - News Releases
Saskatoon News Releases
Carbon Monoxide – safety, symptoms & emergency preparedness
July 11, 2019 - 1:53 pm
- Ensure gas equipment and appliances are properly installed, maintained, and inspected by a licensed contractor,
- Keep furnace, water heater, chimney vents and pipes free of obstructions, such as leaves, debris or nests and frost, snow, and ice in winter months
- Follow manufacturer directions for proper operation and care of all heating equipment and appliances,
- Only use generators, barbeques and portable propane heaters outside, and
- Never leave a vehicle or fueled engine running while indoors.
The Saskatoon Fire Department knows that working carbon monoxide alarms save lives.
Carbon monoxide alarms are intended to alert you to the possibility of an odourless, colourless, tasteless, and poisonous gas in your home. Be sure to become familiar with the sound of your carbon monoxide alarm.
“Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed outside each sleeping area and are most effective when interconnected throughout your home,” says Fire Chief Morgan Hackl.
“Test your carbon monoxide alarms monthly, changing the batteries every year or as needed, and the entire alarm should be replaced every seven years or as required.”
Chief Hackl says there are some practical ways to keep your home free of carbon monoxide:
Some of the symptoms resulting from prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide include headache, fatigue, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. When undetected and left untreated, carbon monoxide can result in permanent injury or death.
The Saskatoon Fire Department responds to carbon monoxide incidents regularly. Most incidents involving carbon monoxide are quickly mitigated; however, some do require additional resources or action.
Chief Hackl says the Saskatoon Fire Department has about 140 primary care paramedics. Each fire engine responds with at least one firefighter-paramedic and comes equipped with a carbon monoxide monitor capable of determining the parts-per-million (PPM) concentration of carbon monoxide present in the air.
“Firefighter-paramedics can also measure the carboxyhemoglobin level in the blood of a patient experiencing the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning,” Hackl says. “They use a non-invasive medical assessment tool at the scene and immediately begin appropriate treatment based on that assessment.”
In 2018, the Saskatoon Fire Department responded to 274 carbon monoxide incidents. By mid-July, the number of carbon monoxide incidents in 2019 was 126. Carbon monoxide incidents account for approximately two per cent of all incidents that the Saskatoon Fire Department responds to.
If your carbon monoxide alarm is sounding or if you believe you are experiencing the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning, evacuate all occupants and pets from the home and immediately call 911.
In an emergency, seconds count; a functioning carbon monoxide alarm can be the difference in preventing a tragedy in your home.
Public Advisory: Stanley Cup stops at Fire Station No. 1
July 5, 2019 - 11:24 am
The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes to advise members of the public of a closed family function with Brayden Schenn of the St. Louis Blues and the Stanley Cup that is occurring at Fire Station No. 1 on Friday, July 5, 2019.
Restrictions will be in place at Fire Station No. 1 for the duration of this function and members of the public will not be provided entry.
It is requested that consideration is given to the wishes of the Schenn family, allowing Brayden time to celebrate with his dad, Acting Battalion Chief Jeff Schenn, among friends and family.
The fire station remains open for administrative and operational purposes.
In an emergency, call 911 immediately.
Shed fire at 216 Ave F South
July 4, 2019 - 12:21 am
At approximately 1040 this evening Saskatoon Fire Department responded to a fully involved shed fire at the rear of 216 Ave F S. Fire was quickly extinguished by fire personnel. There was a small extension onto a neighboring shed which was also quickly extinguished. Crew was on scene for close to an hour doing overhaul and extinguishing hot spots. A Fire investigator was called to the scene and was still determining a cause and getting a damage estimate
Saskatoon Fire department responds to house fire at 204 Ave. E South
June 29, 2019 - 4:12 am
At approximately 2 am this morning, The Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a fire in the basement in a house at 204 Ave. E South. Three Engine Company's, an Aerial Ladder, a Rescue Engine and a Battalion Chief responded. Crews made a quick interior offensive attack and extinguished the fire. A search was conducted and there were no occupants found in the home.
There were no injuries as a result of the fire.
There was a Fire Investigator called out to the scene. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Damage estimated at $50,000
Canada Day 2019 – Fireworks Guideline
June 27, 2019 - 10:07 am
- 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.
The Saskatoon Fire Department would like to remind residents and visitors of safe practices for purchasing, enjoying, and disposing of fireworks. This Canada Day, Monday, July 1st, 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:
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 Saskatoon. It’s always recommended that residents and visitors celebrate at public firework displays that are hosted by a trusted organization; however, if you choose to celebrate Canada Day by sending off your own fireworks, please follow all safety practices and only send them off within the specified time frame.
The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and happy Canada Day, eh!
Two vehicle MVA on Broadway Bridge
June 16, 2019 - 4:07 pm
At 2:50 pm Sunday afternoon, Saskatoon Fire Department responded to a reported two vehicle MVA on the Broadway Bridge.
One Engine, one Heavy Rescue Unit, and a Battalion Chief responded to the scene.
On arrival, paramedics from the engine assessed the occupants from the vehicles and determined there were no serious injuries.
Fire crews had to use the winch from the Rescue Engine to pull the vehicle away from the concrete barricade to enable one occupant to exit the vehicle.
The engine crew assisting with debris and fluid clean up.
Both vehicles were towed from the scene.
Two vehicle fire near building in North end
June 15, 2019 - 12:38 am
At 23:15 Friday night, Saskatoon Fire Department responded to a report of two passenger vehicles fully involved in fire, up against a business in the North end. The incident occurred at 854 47th Street East. Three Engines, one Ladder Company, one Heavy Rescue unit, and the Battalion Chief were dispatched to the scene.
On arrival, the first Fire crew noted both vehicles fully involved, possibly extending into the adjacent business. Crews immediately began extinguishment to contain the fire to the vehicles and prevent extension into the building. An additional water supply from the closest hydrant along with a second Engine crew was required to contain and completely extinguish both vehicles.
Fire crews quickly verified there were no occupants in either of the vehicles. Ventilation fans were used to remove smoke from the building.
A Fire Investigator is on scene. No cause or damage estimate has been made available at this time. No injuries reported due to this incident.
Public Advisory: Low water level and discharge – South Saskatchewan River
June 14, 2019 - 1:27 pm
The Saskatoon Fire Department advises members of the public that the South Saskatchewan River’s water level is low as a result of reduced discharge rates.
Recently, the Government of Canada has recorded the primary water level on the South Saskatchewan River at Saskatoon to be approximately 2.1 metres with a discharge rate averaging between 70 and 80 cubic metres per second.
There are several shallow areas where the river’s bottom is visible just below the surface or where a sandbar has appeared; this creates a hazard to both human- and motor-powered crafts, as well as their operators.
Watercraft operators are advised to exercise caution and are encouraged to elevate awareness when navigating the South Saskatchewan River. It is expected that river users will be mindful of river traffic while sharing the waterway respectfully, exercising best and safe practice in doing so.
Always be cautious near larger bodies of water. In an emergency, call 911 immediately.
Street sweeper fire at City Yards
June 14, 2019 - 7:56 am
Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call at 6:26 am reporting a street sweeper on fire in a shed at City Yards on Ontario Avenue. Dispatched to the scene were tree engine companies, a ladder company, a rescue company, a battalion chief and a fire investigator. First arriving officer on site observed heavy smoke showing coming from a vehicle shed and committed fire crews to investigate. Advancing hose lines, fire crews entered the vehicle shed and suppressed a fire that was limited to the street sweeper. Smoke damage was sustained to the inside of the vehicle shed.
The fire has been extinguished and the cause of teh fire is currently under investigation. Damage estimate is unavailable at this time.
Two vehicles rolled over during collision
June 13, 2019 - 6:52 pm
Just before six O'clock this evening, the Saskatoon Fire Department responded to a two vehicle collision at 8th Street and Eastlake Avenue. One Engine and one Rescue Unit were dispatched.
On arrival, the Engine crew assessed the scene and quickly determined the two occupants from one of the vehicles had already safely exited and were uninjured. The driver of the second vehicle had also exited but had left the scene. It is unknown if the driver had received any injuries.
Both vehicles had rolled onto their roofs from the collision. The Engine crew is assisting with debris, fluid clean up, and to ensure no other hazards remain.
Police are on scene to investigate.