SASKATOON—The Saskatoon Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials crew responded to the Canada Post’s main office in the 800 block of 51st Street East Saturday after a report of a suspicious package on site.
All Canada Post employees and other building occupants were evacuated before the HAZMAT team entered the facility so they could work safely and without distractions.
The incident of the dangerous goods discovered at Canada Post was received at 12:37 p.m. The HAZMAT crew, wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment, entered the structure and found the large package.
Once the suspicious package was identified, the HAZMAT crew isolated the product to test its contents, which later were found to be not hazardous products. The package was placed in an evidence collection bag and given to the Saskatoon Police Service.
The Canada Post office returned to normal operations after SFD and HAZMAT crews ensured it was safe to enter the facility. No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported, and the scene was turned over to SPS officers, who will conduct further investigation.
In other news, the SFD responded to a structure fire in the 1200 block of Avenue E. North after the incident was reported at 1:32 p.m. The first arriving crews saw smoke and flames coming from the structure.
The incident commander immediately ordered advancing hose lines to apply water to the interior while a separate crew searched the structure to ensure no occupants were left inside. The search confirmed all occupants were safely evacuated.
The fire was brought under control and completely extinguished, and no injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported. Fans were set up once the fire was contained to remove any lingering smoke and toxins.
The scene was later turned over to a fire investigator, who will examine it to identify the cause, origin and damage estimate. Further information will be provided as it becomes available.
