Fire erupts at Saskatoon battery store, shutting down 4 blocks of Circle Drive

A fire erupted in a retail battery store on Circle Drive in the North Industrial district of Saskatoon Friday night.

Fire crews received the report of a fire just before 10 p.m. at a commercial building, according to an early Saturday news release.

They responded with four engine companies, two ladder companies, a heavy rescue unit and a battalion chief, the release said. Four blocks of Circle Drive were shut down during the fire fight, and no civilians or firefighters were injured.

The total response for the two-alarm fire included a minimum of 29 crew members, according to acting battalion chief Karl Schafer.

Bolt Mobile/Battery Boys shared on social media early Saturday morning that its business had "experienced a significant fire."

The building is still standing, but a few small spot fires remain as of 10 a.m.

Schafer says there are still four firefighters on scene working to put out the last of it, with a track hoe punching through the building to get at the last hotspots from the outside.

Though the route nearby is now open, traffic has been slowed significantly on Circle Drive westbound past the area, as the road has been restricted to one lane to give room for emergency responders.

Once the last of the fire is put out, a fire investigator will be on the scene looking to identify the cause, origin of the blaze, and estimate the damage.

The business's statement on social media said its staff is safe, but the store has sustained serious damage and will be closed until further notice.

The statement went on to thank the Saskatoon Fire Department, and commit to returning to business at this location.