Barbecue lights balcony fire at Saskatoon apartment building
A Saskatoon apartment building was evacuated on Saturday morning after a barbecue caught fire on a second-floor balcony.
Fire crews received multiple calls about the fire at about 9:30 a.m. CST, including a report that flames from the barbecue were touching the third-floor balcony.
Three fire engines, a ladder truck and a rescue unit from three different fire stations were sent to the address at 512 4th Avenue N.
Crews found light smoke when they arrived at the building, which was evacuated while firefighters battled the blaze from the alley behind the building.
A penetrating foam was used to extinguish the flames due to the cedar construction of the balconies.
It took about 20 minutes to bring the fire under control before a thermal imaging camera was used to ensure it had not affected other parts of the building.
A fire investigator concluded the fire was accidental. The damage bill is estimated to be about $10,000.
The Saskatoon Fire Department reminded the public to shut off elements and burners after cooking on stoves or barbecues.
