2 dogs die; 9 cats survive in 2 Saskatoon house fires

The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) was battling two house fires on Monday, with one of them ending tragically for the four-legged inhabitants of the place.

Firefighters were called to a structure fire early Monday morning in the 200 Block of Avenue S South, west of St. Paul's Hospital, responding with three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the battalion chief, said the SFD in a news release.

Upon arrival, firefighters saw flames showing from the rear of the house, according to the SFD. Firefighters shut down utilities to enhance the safety at the scene.

Eventually the crews brought the fire under control at 3:58 a.m., said the SFD.

While one human occupant managed to evacuate safely, two dogs did not survive the fire.

The SFD said the fire started on the rear deck and caused a damage of $200,000.

The cause of the fire has not been determined yet.

Just a couple of hours later, at 8:38 a.m., the SFD was informed about another house fire, northeast of the previous one.

Three fire engines, one ladder truck, one rescue unit and the battalion chief headed to a house fully involved in fire in the 1700 Block of Avenue D North in the city's Mayfair neighbourhood, according to the SFD.

On arrival, crews noticed heavy black smoke coming from the roof of the building, while power lines were down and arcing from the fire, the SFD said.

The natural gas line at the rear of the house was involved in the fire, and utility companies were once again requested to shut down utilities.

"Fire crews focused on extinguishing the fire from the exterior while monitoring the natural gas line on fire," said the SFD in a news release.

SaskEnergy arrived at the home at 9:48 a.m., but the natural gas leak was not contained by 10:15 a.m., according to the SFD.

"Scene safety and precautions continued at the fire scene while the natural gas technicians worked to stop the leak."