SASKATOON — The Saskatoon Fire Department had a busy early Saturday morning, responding to four separate fires — three happening on the southern part of the westside — that are all deemed suspicious in origin. The time of the fires is between 12:20 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.
The first call was in the 3100 Block of 33rd Street West for a dumpster fire at 12:20 a.m. and almost an hour later SFD responded to another similar fire in the 500 block of Avenue H South at 1:07 a.m.
One fire engine was dispatched to the two separate incidents where crews were successful in extinguishing both fires. No further damages were sustained in both fires, which destroyed a combined $1,000 worth of property.
At around 1:49 a.m., the SFD responded to a fence that was burning in the 600 block of Avenue K South. A fire engine was dispatched to put out the fire, which resulted in $200 worth of damages. No other parts of the structure were involved in the fire.
The last call was at 2:26 a.m. for a shed that was on fire in the 800 block of Avenue H South and this time two fire engines responded along with the battalion chief, who had been searching the areas for any suspicious activity or person(s).
Arriving fire crews saw the shed fully involved and the fire spread to two vehicles near the structure. The fire was declared under control at 2:42 a.m. and the damage is estimated at $25,000.
Fire investigators attended to the scene and concluded all fires were started using an open flame device such as a torch. All fires are considered suspicious as no other plausible cause was identified. The Saskatoon Police Service will continue with the investigation and follow up.
A few days ago, on July 7, the SFD responded to a garage fire in the 900 block of Avenue H South that was deemed suspicious by the fire investigator. SPS is also investigating the incident that caused $5,000 in damage to the property.
If anyone has information relating to any of these fires, please contact SPS at (306) 975-8300.
