Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

In response to the high temperature and humidity this week, the Emergency Management Organization (EMO) has activated the Saskatoon Heat Response Strategy to support citizens in Saskatoon, especially those vulnerable to the heat.

EMO encourages members of the public to stay safe during this heat by visiting any of the designated cool-down locations throughout the city, including the lobbies of all City of Saskatoon Leisure Centres.

On a broader scale, in the event of a prolonged extreme heat event in Saskatoon, EMO could also activate notifynow targeted public safety messages to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens.

EMO is a member of the Heat Response Committee established by the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP). A variety of community partners rally to provide support to residents through the heat response strategy. A Hot Weather Alert Level 3A (Heat Warning) is issued by SHIP when temperatures reach 32°C or greater.

EMO also reminds citizens that this is an important time to check on vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbours.

Other things to consider during days of extreme heat:

River Safety

Although the South Saskatchewan River may provide a tempting option to cool down on hot days, EMO reminds residents that the river is unpredictable and that swimming in the river is prohibited. The river has many hazards including changing currents and an unstable bottom.

Pet Wellness

On warm summer days, it’s important to keep your pets safe and comfortable. Considerations include:

• Ensuring your pet has plenty of fresh water to drink,
• Monitoring your pet for signs of heat stress such as rapid panting, 
• Never leaving pets in parked cars for any amount of time, and
• Offering your pet a means to cool down such as a wading pool or damp towel.

For more information on how to keep your pet safe this summer, contact the SPCA or your local veterinarian.

Working Safe

As the humidex rises, those who work outdoors are encouraged to take necessary actions including:

• Drinking extra water,
• Increasing breaks out of the sun, and
• Modifying work duties to prevent heat illness.

For safety tips and guidelines for employees working in hot conditions, visit the Government of Saskatchewan’s Working Outdoors page.

Transit Safe Bus Program

As always, Saskatoon Transit offers the Safe Bus Program designed to assist anyone, of any age, that needs immediate shelter or needs to contact emergency services. If you need help, simply and safely flag down a bus or go to a parked bus. Transit operators can contact emergency services directly through the on-bus radio system and will give the person in need a safe place to wait.

Smart Yard and Garden Watering

During heat waves, there is increased water usage. The City encourages residents to be water wise by watering your lawn and trees early in the morning and skip windy days to minimize evaporation. Smart watering helps the environment and can save you money during hot summer months. Follow these quick lawn care tips to be more efficient with your water and learn more ways to be water wise.

In the event of a leisure facility closure, the City will issue a service alert. Residents can find information regarding service alerts at saskatoon.ca/servicealerts. 

In an emergency, call 911 immediately. 

At Approximately 1:16 this afternoon, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a smell of smoke in the Western Development Museum.

Three fire engines, one heavy rescue unit, one aerial ladder and one battalion chief were dispatched to the incident.

Upon arrival, fire crews noted a burnt electrical smell in the front lobby area of the building. It was quickly determined that an overheated motor on an air handling unit was the cause of the smell. There was also a loss of power to portions of the building.

The museums building officials and representative from City of Saskatoon’s electrical department are presently on scene trying to determine the exact cause of the incident and are working to restore power to the building.

Employees of the Western Development Museum had evacuated all the patrons prior to the fire departments arrival.

There were no injuries as a result of the incident.

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:

• 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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 1^st, 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 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!

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.

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.

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.