A string of fires started in Saskatoon’s northend close to the end of the workday yesterday (fri). Shortly after 4 yesterday 9fri) afternoon, the Saskatoon Fire Department received a report of a fire along the train tracks north of 71st Street East near Wanuskewin Road.

The first arriving crews found a blaze close to New Holland and Sarcan. CJWW News was at the scene and at least half a dozen fires were seen along the tracks with one of the fires starting shortly after 5 o’clock to the north of New Holland.

In an update last night (fri), the Saskatoon Fire Department said they’re the incident commander for the multiple fires. The SFD is able to maintain their service level for the remainder of the city with off duty fire personnel and reserve apparatus being utilized. Two off duty Battalion Chiefs are also assisting the SFD Incident Commander in the the command unit.

In addition to the SFD, fire crews from Martensville and Warman are also on scene along with Saskatoon Police, Corman Park Police and CN crews.

No cause or damage estimate has been given at this time. It appears from what observed on scene by CJWW News is that a train likely sparked the fires which then turned into multiple grass fires along the tracks.

I was at the scene in #yxe's northend this aft where at least half a dozen fires broke out along the train tracks near 71st and Wanuskewin. Likely a train sparked and started a string of grass fires. No word yet from @SaskatoonFire. CN crews are on scene investigating @CJWWnews pic.twitter.com/dGQloXYd7q

— Devyn Gregoire (@devyn_gregoire) July 16, 2022