The Saskatoon Fire Department is facing a mounting crisis, with a surge in calls related to overdoses and encampment fires, straining their resources and altering the nature of their work. This situation has sparked a critical discussion within the department and among its union members about the future of their core services and the potential need for a shift in response strategies.
The data is stark: in 2025, the department responded to a staggering 2,512 overdoses, a nearly 100% increase from the previous year. This surge is particularly concerning given the department's overall call volume, which rose by 13.2% to 28,717, equivalent to nearly 79 more calls per day. The month of March saw a record-breaking 509 overdoses, and April surpassed this with 680 calls, a number that coincides with the closure of a supervised drug consumption site.
Encampment fires, another critical issue, have also seen a dramatic rise. The department responded to 116 encampment fires in 2025, more than double the number from the previous year. This increase has led to a decrease in fire inspections, with 1,831 conducted in 2025, down from 2,709 in 2021. The department's resources are stretched thin, and the nature of their work is changing.
Jayden Poirier, an executive member of the firefighters' union, highlights the impact of these changes. He notes that the department's focus on overdoses and encampments is taking away from their core services. This shift in priorities is not just a burden but also raises questions about the future of their work.
The situation is not unique to Saskatoon. Paramedic Services Chiefs of Saskatchewan have also reported a doubling of calls in the last decade, with 200 unfilled vacancies for paramedic jobs in the province. This has led to burnout and a brain drain, with paramedics leaving for more lucrative jobs, such as becoming firefighters.
The underlying issue is the growing crisis of homelessness and addiction, which is placing a strain on emergency services. The fire department's response to these complex social issues is a testament to their adaptability, but it also underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing these challenges.
As the department grapples with this new reality, it must consider whether its current response strategies are sustainable. The question of how to best serve the community while managing these increased demands is a complex one, and one that requires careful consideration and innovation.
In my opinion, the Saskatoon Fire Department's experience highlights a broader trend in emergency services. As the nature of emergencies evolves, so must the strategies and resources of those tasked with responding to them. This crisis is a call to action, urging a reevaluation of response protocols and a commitment to meeting the changing needs of the community.
