The Saskatoon Fire Department has confirmed a fire that started early Wednesday in an encampment under the University Bridge is now contained.
Firefighters say the encampment was abandoned and the fire appears to have started from a mattress on top of the archway under the bridge.
The flames stretched to a wooden bridge deck that was exposed.
Fire crews used a ladder truck and tanker truck to fight the fire, saying it was difficult to extinguish due to its location.
Residents should still avoid the area while firefighters search for hot spots. Work crews are drilling into the bridge to spray water on specific locations.
The City of Saskatoon sent an update shortly before noon saying the bridge and Spadina Crescent under the bridge is closed completely for both vehicles and pedestrians until the fire has been dealt with.
A recent update from the city said the bridge will be closed for the Thursday morning commute.
The city added that evening commuters are encouraged to used Broadway Bridge as an alternative route.
As of this time, no major damage to the structure of the bridge has been reported.
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