SASKATOON — The Saskatoon Fire Department responded to a structure fire at the1900 block of 22nd Street West, after multiple 911 calls were made to the SFD Communications centre. The garage fire was first reported at 4:55 a.m.
SFD dispatched to the scene six front line emergency apparatuses, a service vehicle, the battalion chief and the fire investigator. The first fire engine to arrive at the scene reported that the garage was fully involved in fire.
Duties by the first officer on scene assigned tactical duties to other incoming firefighters and personnel. Saskatoon Light & Power crews also responded and helped bring down a power line to the ground by the fire.
An SFD Safety Officer was assigned to ensure safety on the fire ground. At 5:12 a.m., the garage had been consumed by fire to the point of collapse and fire crews continued to extinguish the fire. The fire was declared under control at 5:39 a.m.
Fire crews began packing up hose lines and tools after extinguishment was completed. Equipment that was contaminated by smoke, soot, and exposed to gases from the fire were transported back to station by an SFD service vehicle and were cleaned and decontaminate by fire crews.
The scene was turned over to the fire investigator at 6:03 a.m. and the Saskatoon Police Service assisted in the investigation. The SFD and SPS will continue to work together.
The SFD fire investigator determined that the fire originated in the interior of the garage which was reported as not being used for living purposes, but household furnishings were identified as being present.
No injuries to civilians or firefighters occurred as a result of this fire, but damage to the garage and neighbouring properties is estimated at $25,000. The exact cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.