SASKATOON - Four people were trapped in their suites when an apartment building went up in flames Sunday night. One occupant was taken to hospital by ambulance for smoke inhalation and later released. No firefighters were injured.
Twenty-six residents have been displaced and are now staying at a hotel. The fire caused about $400,000 in damage of the four-storey apartment building.
At 8:19 p.m. on May 28, the Saskatoon Fire Department [SFD] received a 9-1-1 call for a possible fire in an apartment building in the 200 Block of Avenue V Â鶹´«Ã½AV. Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the Battalion Chief were dispatched. First arriving fire crew reported flames showing from a third storey suite of the apartment building. There were occupants needing assistance in evacuating due to heavy smoke in the hallways. Two additional fire engines were dispatched to assist with evacuation and fire suppression.
Fire crews assisted with evacuating four occupants who were trapped in their suites. The fire was brought under control at 9:04 p.m. The Fire Investigator was requested to attend.
The fire separation door that serves the suite that opens into the hallway was left in the open position. This allowed smoke to leave the fire suite and fill up the hallway subsequently making it impassable for some occupants in other suites to evacuate safely.
The fire scene was turned over to the Fire Investigator. The cause of the fire is suspicious. Two origins were identified in a suite on the third floor. A fire was identified in a bedroom and another fire located in the living room.
The Saskatoon Police Service will continue their portion of the investigation.
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