SASKATOON – It was a busy start to the year for the Saskatoon Fire Department. Firefighters were busy dealing with four separate fires, two at the same location, on Jan. 1.
Fire crews were first called to a garage fire around 9:40 a.m. at 124 Avenue O South. Responding crews reported seeing smoke several blocks away.
They arrived to find a single-detached garage engulfed in flames. An offensive attack was started and the fire was brought under control in seven minutes.
No one was injured and investigators determined the blaze was intentionally set. Damage is pegged at $10,000.
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Then just before 12:50 p.m., crews were called to the Dube Center on University Drive for reports of multiple fires. Responding crews were directed to the 2400 wing on the second floor where staff had extinguished three small fires.
Ventilation was set up to clear the wind of smoke and patients from the affected wing were moved to a safe location. No patients or staff were injured.
The investigation focused on nine points of origin affecting three rooms and a hallway. Damage was set at $7,000.
Crews were called back to the Dube Centre at 3 p.m. for a mattress fire on the first floor. Arriving firefighters found staff had put out the fire.
One staff member was taken to hospital as a precaution for possible smoke inhalation. A fan was set up to ventilate smoke from the first floor wing.
Saskatoon police have identified a person interest who may have started the fires.
Damage is estimated at $13,000.
The final call came around 10:30 p.m. Firefighters were called to 2711 Ferguson Avenue for a basement fire. Crews were able to bring the fire under control in 15 minutes.
Everyone inside was able to get out before firefighter arrived. No injuries were reported.
Investigators determined the cause of the fire to be accidental. Damage is estimated at $70,000.
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