(Updated 10:50 a.m. July 19, 2025)

Numerous 911 calls flooded the Saskatoon Fire Department Communications Cente around 3:30 Tuesday morning reporting an apartment building on fire in the 400 block of Fairmont Drive.

Firefighters could see heavy smoke and flames coming from a second-floor suite in the three storey apartment complex when they arrived which was within five minutes of getting the call. Another fire engine was requested a few minutes later because the blaze was moving towards the roof and attic space.

All occupants safely evacuated, and the fire was completely extinguished by 4:39 a.m. Two suites sustained fire damage and four people were relocated and rehoused by the property owner. Fire officials estimate $200,000 in damage and an investigator has determined the fire originated on a balcony and the cause of the fire was improper disposal of smoking material.

The fire department reports that the fire alarm system is being serviced, and some smoke alarms replaced. All other occupants are able to return to their suites.