The Saskatoon fire department is deeming a Pleasant Hill house fire on Good Friday, suspicious.
At 2:15 a.m. the Saskatoon Fire Department received a report of a house fire by the Saskatoon Police Service. Police officers came upon the house fire in the 1800 Block of 22nd Street West. On arrival, fire crews found an extinguished fire on the main floor but discovered smoke was still coming from the basement. The fire was brought under control at 2:49 a.m. and firefighters report there were no injuries as a result of this fire.
A Fire Investigator has estimated damages at $50,000 and believes the cause of the fire to be suspicious as multiple fire start locations were identified.
Then at 6:21 a.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department received a call from an alarm company of a fire signal in the 2000 block of Arlington Avenue. Fire crews identified water flowing from a sprinkler head and found a small extinguished fire. The water protection system had extinguished the fire prior to the arrival of firefighters. Fire crews say they ventilated the building to remove smoke and stopped the water flow from the activated sprinkler head.
A Fire Investigator conducted a cause and origin examination and determined the fire to be accidental due to smudging material for a spiritual ritual being too close to other combustible material. Damage is estimated to be $10,000.
The Saskatoon Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to recommend that property owners consider purchasing a lock-box providing keys and ease of access for fire crews to service rooms, fire protection equipment and other areas. By providing a lock-box, it allows fire crews to gain access quickly in emergency situations. If a lock-box is already installed, ensure the keys inside are current. Email: fireinspections@saskatoon.ca for further information.