Residents rescued from condos as massive fire destroys Saskatoon building

Saskatoon firefighters rescued people at a condo building in the Sutherland neighbourhood overnight, as crews battled an out-of-control fire.

Crews arrived on scene around midnight, the Saskatoon Fire Department said in a Saturday morning news release.

Officials said the roof of the three-storey building, at 108th Street and Bryans Avenue, was fully on fire. 

In an update at 5 a.m., the fire department said firefighters were still on scene extinguishing flare-ups and checking for hot spots. 

Firefighters rescued several people from their condo units, officials said.

Several buildings on 108th Street W. were also evacuated, and the road was completely closed to traffic. 

Maj. Mike Hoeft, area commander for the Salvation Army Saskatchewan, told CBC News the organization arranged hotel rooms for 12 families displaced by the fire on Saturday. 

“We work with the fire department for whatever the need may be, whether that’s accommodation or temporary lodging or meals,” Hoeft said. 

Hoeft did not have the exact number of people helped, however, he said The Salvation Army will continue to provide support until insurance or other funding supports kick in. 

The fire department has not released information on whether anyone was injured in the blaze. 

The department said it responded with six fire engines, two ladder trucks and one rescue unit. 

Its mobile emergency command unit — along with two fire investigators and the battalion chief — were on scene within an hour.

Around 1 a.m., the fire department also warned of drifting smoke in the area and advised nearby residents to close windows.