Saskatoon Fire - News Releases

At approximately 6:20 this evening the Saskatoon Fire Department received several 911 calls for a apartment fire at 127 Avenue U South. Three engine companies, 1 ladder truck and one rescue truck were dispatched to the scene.  

On arrival crews found suite 204 on the second floor of the apartment fully involved with fire. Crews made a quick attack from the exterior and then entered the building. Crews removed 1 male person from the fire suite. The pt was handed over to Medavie ambulance who transported him to hospital with undetermined injuries. Crews completed a primary search of the building and evacuated several people. The fire was quickly extinguished and was contained to the fire suite, There was heavy smoke damage to the rest of the building. The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time. Preliminary estimates of damage is $250,000.

At 10:33 pm tonight a 911 call reported smoke and flames from a boarded up house at 1701 22^nd street west. Three engine companies, one ladder truck and one rescue truck were dispatched.

On arrival crews found smoke and flames coming from a basement window of the house. Crew’s made a quick attack from the exterior, while the ladder truck removed plywood from the doors. Crews entered the house and found no occupant’s, then quickly extinguished the fire in the basement.

There were no injuries at this fire.

The fire is under investigation and there is no damage estimate at this time.

The City of Saskatoon operates several storm water retention ponds in neighbourhoods throughout the City. Many residents choose to use these ponds for recreational purposes, including skating and ice hockey. It is reminded that individuals who choose to use the storm water retention ponds for recreational purposes assume all associated risk in doing so.

The Saskatoon Fire Department has been regularly testing and monitoring ice thickness at ponds around the City to verify its safety. The ice must reach a minimum thickness of at least 8 inches to be considered safe for public recreational use. Signage posted at each pond will indicate whether or not the pond is safe for use. Be sure to check the posted signage each time you are considering using the pond. The sign will display a “No Skating” icon until the ice has been tested and is confirmed safe for public use, at which time a “Skating Permitted” icon will be displayed on the sign.

Community members choosing to use the ponds for recreational purposes are responsible for any maintenance of the ice that may be required, including shoveling, flooding, and safety.  

For more information regarding the Recreational Uses of Storm Water Retention Ponds policy, visit www.saskatoon.ca/ponds.

It is advised that individuals always exercise an elevated level of caution when using any ice-covered body of water for recreational purposes.

In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

At approximately 4:33 this afternoon, the Saskatoon Fire Department received an alert from an alarm company reporting a residential fire signal in the Victoria Place Apartments, located at 606 Victoria Avenue.

Two Fire Engines were immediately dispatched to the scene. While the responding fire crews were en-route, Fire Dispatchers made contact with a representative of the building and confirmed there to be a fire in a suite on the fourth floor. Along with the two Fire Engines already responding, one Aerial Ladder Truck, one additional Fire Engine, and a Battalion Chief were also dispatched. 

Upon arrival, fire crews observed smoke exiting the multi-story apartment complex through a fourth story balcony, the fire alarm sounding, and occupants of the complex performing an evacuation. The resident of the suite had extinguished the fire using a fire extinguisher before fire crews arrived. 

Heavy smoke was present, and significant ventilation was required to clear the suite and complex of smoke. The strategic decision was made to release additional fire crews from the scene, freeing up these resources to respond elsewhere in the city when necessary; however, one additional Aerial Ladder Truck was dispatched to the scene, as required, to aid in ventilating the complex. 

Fire crews have now completed the ventilation of the suite and complex using an electric fan, and have concluded their duties in relation to this incident.

A Fire Investigator remains on scene to identify a cause and determine a damage estimate. 

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

At approximately 12:00 this afternoon, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call alerting to a two vehicle collision on Highway 5 involving a 5 tonne transport truck and a passenger car.

Fire Dispatchers worked with the caller to determine additional details for responding fire crews, identifying that the passenger car involved, a Ford Taurus, was heavily damaged as a result of the collision and that two occupants remained trapped inside the smoking vehicle. The Saskatoon Fire Department immediately dispatched one Fire Engine, one Heavy Rescue Unit, and one Battalion Chief to the scene. The Aberdeen Fire Department, Medavie Health Services West, STARS, and the RCMP also responded to the call for service.

Upon arrival, it was determined that one occupant of the passenger car was deceased and that the second occupant required extrication from the vehicle. The driver of the transport truck had exited the truck before fire crews had arrived and was assessed for injuries.

Fire crews stabilized and de-energized the passenger car in preparation to extricate the second occupant from the vehicle. Firefighters were required to remove the entire roof, as well as the passenger side door in order to complete a successful and safe extrication. Simultaneously, the Saskatoon Fire Department assisted in the safe landing of a STARS helicopter onto Highway 5.  The patient was flown to Royal University Hospital with serious injuries.

The Saskatoon Fire Department has now concluded its duties in relation to this incident and the scene has been left with the RCMP for collision reconstruction.

This holiday season, the Saskatoon Fire Department reminds residents to be mindful of fire safety in and around their homes. The holidays are a time of celebration and cheer; with lights, decorations, trees, and gatherings, there are many things to consider in ensuring your home is fire safe this holiday season.

Holiday considerations to include are:

Decorative Lights:

Decorative lights are a great way to set the holiday spirit, but they can also pose a danger if not used in accordance with manufacturer direction. Always unplug your lights when you are not around to enjoy them, especially if leaving the house. Be mindful of the use of indoor and/or outdoor lights, using the appropriate light type accordingly. Never use lights that appear damaged in any way. Be sure that you are not overloading an outlet with too many power-drawing decorative items and lights.

Candles:

Many people choose to use candles year-round; however, the holiday season tends to bring an increase in the number of households lighting candles whether it be as a part of their holiday tradition or as a decorative addition to their home. Whatever the purpose, always be sure to put the candle out when you are not around to enjoy it. Unattended candles have the potential to make your holiday not so merry and bright. Take the time to consider where you are placing your candle and what combustible materials may be around.

Holiday Trees:

Setting up a tree in your home is a tradition for many over the holiday season. Whether you place a natural or artificial tree in your home, it is important to consider the safety elements regarding its placement, decorations, and upkeep. If you are planning to put lights on your tree, be sure to use the appropriate indoor, non-heat producing, CSA-approved light strands and double-check each strand to verify it has not been cracked, broken, or frayed from excessive use or storage. Keep your tree a safe distance from any heat source, including fireplaces, candles, space heaters, or furnace vents. If you are displaying a natural tree, cut 1 to 2 inches off of the bottom before positioning it in your home. Be sure to keep your natural tree watered and healthy to avoid it drying out.

Cooking:

Holiday meals and seasonal baking are must-haves each year; however, the Saskatoon Fire Department reminds the head-chefs, top bakers and wannabes of Saskatoon’s kitchens to remain present while cooking and/or baking this holiday season. Stay in the kitchen, focused and alert on what you are doing to prevent unintentionally inviting the Saskatoon Fire Department to your home for an over-cooked meal this holiday season. For meals that may take additional time to cook and/or prepare, the use of a timer can act as a reminder in monitoring your meal.

The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes all a safe holiday season; from our halls to yours, happy holidays!

In an emergency, call 911 immediately.