Several people were rescued from an apartment building fire on Friday night.

Saskatoon Police, Fire and Medavie Health Services responded to the 2000 block of 20th Street West around 9:30 p.m. Firefighters immediately observed an occupant requiring rescue from a third level window; ground ladders were positioned to assist this person to safety. Most other occupants were confirmed to have self-evacuated from the burning building. Simultaneously additional fire crews entered the building, locating and performing a quick attack on flames enveloping a stairwell; the commanding fire officer considered the fire to be under control within about 30 minutes from the time of fire dispatchers receiving the first 911 call. While conducting thorough searches of the building, two occupants were located and evacuated by firefighters from a below-grade unit. Fire crews forced entry into multiple areas of the building to confirm no other occupants or pets remained inside. No injuries to civilian or fire personnel occurred as a result of this incident.

Due to extensive fire damage, the building has been closed and secured by the Saskatoon Fire Department. Firefighters re-entered the building to retrieve salvageable personal items, including medications and keys, for displaced occupants. Of the 11 occupied units in the building, the Saskatoon Fire Department can confirm six occupants from four units were assisted by the Canadian Red Cross in Saskatchewan.

A fire investigator is in the process of conducting a scene examination to identify a cause, origin, and damage estimate. An update will be provided upon conclusion of the investigative findings.