Officials with the Saskatoon Fire Department are crediting smoke detectors for saving lives after a house fire in the Nutana neighbourhood.
Firefighters were called to the converted two-and-a-half storey home at 107 11th Street at around 6:20 a.m. CT for a report of a fire.
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Crews arrived to flames coming from the roof. An aggressive exterior attack was started to knock down the fire to allow an interior search to take place.
No one was found inside. Officials said three people living in rental units were alerted to the fire by smoke detectors and were able to escape safely.
A second alarm was sounded due to fire conditions, and 24 firefighters worked for just under 90 minutes to bring the fire under control.
Crews remained on the scene for several hours dealing with hot spots.
Saskatoon fire officials said weather conditions, a balloon frame construction and a house divided into three rental units made putting out the fire more challenging.
Damage is estimated at over $300,000.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.