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 home.

Firefighters were called early Monday morning to a structure fire in the 200 Block of Avenue S South, west of St. Paul's Hospital. They respondedwith 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.

The crews brought the fire under control at 3:58 a.m. CST, said theSFD.

While one personmanaged to evacuate safely, two dogs did not survive.

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

The cause of the fire has not been determined yet.

2nd house fire sends one person to hospital

A few hours later, at 8:38 a.m. CST, 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, 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 asked to shut the line down.

"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. CST, but the natural gas leak was not contained by 10:15 a.m. CST, according to the SFD.

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

Two residents had left the the homeat the time of the fire, but one elderly man had to be treated for smoke inhalation, said the SFD.The ambulance service brought him to hospital.

In an update on Monday evening the SFD said the investigation into the fire was concluded.

"Cause of the fire was determined to be accidental from improper disposal of smoking material," said the SFD. "The fire caused $350,000 in damages."

On top of the people who lived in the building, nine cats also survived.

The animals were rescued by firefighters and the investigator before the SFD turned the property back to its owner, said the fire department.

"All of the cats were reported to be doing well upon their rescue and removal from the structure," said the SFD.