The Saskatoon Fire Communications Centre, at 1:06 p.m., received an automatic notification from the ambulance service to respond to a medical incident in the 700 block of Dufferin Avenue.
A fire engine and the Battalion Chief were dispatched to respond. In gathering pre-arrival information, the Saskatoon Fire Department identified this incident may have the potential to involve an unknown hazardous material.
At 1:10 p.m., the incident response was upgraded to include the Hazmat unit, the Decontamination unit and the Emergency Management command vehicle.
Three firefighters in full protective equipment entered the building and began evacuating occupants. The hazmat technicians set up to enter the area of concern.
Technicians identified the product as helium. Carbon monoxide readings were zero. The hazmat team determined the building was clear of any harmful gases requiring protective equipment.
The building was turned over to the Saskatoon Police Service and the Ambulance Service. SFD personnel on returned to their respective stations.
