$75,000 in damage is estimated after a fire in a garage on New Year’s Eve.

The Saskatoon Fire Department received a 911 call at 10:33 am reporting a garage on fire in the 200 block of Lake Crescent, in Varsity View.  Dispatched to the scene were three engines, a ladder, rescue battalion chief and fire investigator.

The first arriving firefighters confirmed smoke was coming from a detached garage. Fire crews brought water to the front of the garage and attempted to gain entry to the garage. The fire department says the inside of the garage contained a significant number of items that contributed to an increased fire load and inhibited crews from easily gaining access to the seat of the fire. The overhead door was then opened and crews were able to gain access to extinguish the fire.

The fire investigator has completed the on-scene examination and has concluded the fire started as a result of improperly disposed woodstove ash. The Saskatoon Fire Department reminds all users of wood burning appliances, including fire pits, to be diligent when disposing of ash after a fire as there may be hot embers that can cause unintended fires.