Saskatoon firefighters put out a large blaze at Bethlehem Catholic High School on Friday night. At around 10:32 p.m., crews arrived at the school at 110 Bowlt Crescent where they saw large flames and heavy smoke coming from a construction area that was attached to the school. The crews advanced multiple hose lines to extinguish the fire at a building that was under construction before calling for a 2nd alarm —bringing additional firefighters and apparatus to the scene. The Saskatoon Fire Department also set up two ladder trucks to help and fire command was on site with a command vehicle used for operations and to communicate with other agencies. Firefighters entered the school to see if the fire had spread to other areas while also searching for people inside. The fire was brought under control and extinguished. The City of Saskatoon says a fire investigator is on scene to figure out the cause of the fire as well as the extent of the damage. The city says more information will be provided as it becomes available. “It’s disturbing” For students like Carson Hofer who were planning to return to classes in the fall, the sight of the damaged building and destroyed extensions was difficult to see. “Last night I heard the sirens and I was just curious. And then my phone went off and my friends had said the building had caught fire,” he told CTV News on Saturday. “I was looking on social media, seeing videos. And it was just it was devastating. It was shocking. So me and my mom came out here this morning and just thought to check it out.” Hofer added that he and his friends were looking forward to starting their senior year and having the additional space that the construction was expected to allow. “It’s disturbing, I was excited to see these extensions be added to the school. And since I’m going into Grade 12, it’s kind of my last year and [we’re starting] off with a bang, I guess,” Hofer said. However, the soon-to-be senior added that he has faith in the community and believes it will remain strong – even with a challenging start to the school year. “All the Bethlehem kids, we’re a community,” he said. “... It’s just a shock and hopefully the community can come together to get through it.” Politicians weigh in Saskatoon West MP Brad Redekopp posted on social media called the incident “devastating” on social media. “Thankfully, school is out for the summer and no injuries have been reported,” the post read. “I hope repairs can move quickly so students and staff can return as planned and the start of the school year is not delayed.” Redekopp thanked the fire department as did Saskatoon Fairview MLA Vicki Mowat. “Students, teachers and school staff are in my thoughts. We don’t know what this means for school next month, and will share updates as they are made available,” Mowat wrote on social media.
