Burned-out house in Westmount neighbourhood to be demolished

The Westmount-area house where a fire broke out early Tuesday will be demolished.

According to a release from the Saskatoon Fire Department, the boarded-up house in the 200 block of Avenue K North “has been structurally compromised by fire.”

Because of the resultant safety concerns, the fire investigator wasn’t able to do an examination of the house to determine the cause and origin of the fire. Damage was estimated at $200,000.

Utilities were to be removed and the house was to be taken down by an excavation company Tuesday afternoon.

“Our fire investigator will be following up with an order to remedy requiring that the fire debris be removed, the foundation hole be filled in and the site levelled,” the release continued.

“Once the structure is taken down and the site secured (Tuesday) afternoon, the fire investigator will turn the property over to the property owner.”

The fire department said fencing would be put up around the property to keep people out.

Fire crews responded to scene Tuesday at around 4:30 a.m., after someone reported smoke coming from the home.

The fire department said flames were seen coming from the basement and, by 5:23 a.m., the fire had spread to the main floor and attic.

Anyone with information about the fire was asked to call the Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300.