SASKATOON — The Saskatoon Fire Department responded to two separate fires on Saturday, one of which happened in a strip mall at 25th Street and 2nd Avenue.
The structure fire was reported in the adjoining business in the centre of a strip mall where SFD Communications Centre received the 911 call at 6:10 p.m.
Three fire engines, one ladder unit, one rescue unit, and the Battalion Chief responded. First arriving fire crews reported a possible fire in the kitchen of a convenience store. Fire crews were assigned tactical duties and work groups by the incident commander.
The Battalion Chief conducted a complete walk around the structure while firefighters hooked up the hydrant, readied hose lines, and made entry into the middle business where the bulk of the fire was noted.
The Battalion Chief could see heavy smoke from the front and the rear of the business, and firefighters began extinguishing the fire upon entry.
All utilities were shut down as well as service station pumps on the property for scene safety and necessary precautions.
At 6:25 p.m., the ceiling collapsed inside the business where the bulk of the fire was burning. Fire crews backed off for safety reasons and continued to extinguish the fire from safe locations.
At 6:30 p.m., it was identified that the roof was sagging. The Battalion Chief called for all firefighters to exit the structure for safety purposes due to risk of the roof collapsing.
Extinguishment continued from ladders against the building and the ladder unit without entry onto the roof.
SaskEnergy and Saskatoon Light & Power attended the scene to ensure utilities would not be a hazard or a safety concern.
At this time, fire crews remain on scene. The Fire Investigator is also on scene with the Saskatoon Police Service assisting in the investigation.
Further details about the fire with its cause, origin, and estimated damage will be provided once available.
Early Saturday, at 2:26 p.m., SFD attended a small fire in the 3000 Block of 7th Street East. The homeowner called SFD where she informed that her house was filling with smoke after lighting sage outside.
Fire crews, on arrival, identified a hole burnt in the exterior of the structure. Using a thermal imaging camera, minor heat in the wall was identified.
Fire crews cut a hole from the exterior to ensure the fire was fully extinguished. Minor damage to the structure resulted from this fire.
The SFD is reminding all residents that any form of fire, even from a spiritual or faith-based nature, has the capability of igniting a larger fire. Never leave an open heat source unattended to avoid an accidental fire.
The SFD is also advising everyone that this is a great time to test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
