UPDATE: 1 Person Dead In Overnight House Fire and Explosion On Clarence Avenue

UPDATE:

Saskatoon Police say one person was killed after an explosion at a home, early this morning in the 2200 block of Clarence Avenue. The age and gender of the deceased is not available at this time.

Saskatoon Police Service, along with the Saskatoon Fire Dept. are working to determine what caused an explosion. Investigators from the Major Crime Section and the Forensic Identification Section are on scene along with personnel from Saskatoon Fire Department and the Saskatchewan Coroner's Office. Investigators will be working in an effort to determine cause and circumstances related to the explosion. Officials say due to the extensive scene it could take a significant amount of time before more details can be released.

SINGLE SOURCE, NEAR VERBATIM

End Update

The Saskatoon Police Service and Saskatoon Fire Department are currently on the scene of a house fire in the 2200 block of Clarence Avenue.

Police say just before 4 a.m., two officers noticed a house on fire in the 2200 block of Clarence Avenue. As the officers approached the house, an explosion could be heard which started fires at two adjacent properties. The Saskatoon Fire Department says they also received multiple 9-1-1 calls about an explosion around the same time.

Responding fire crews found a house leveled from an explosion. Large debris, vehicles and a detached garage were all on fire. Crews worked quickly to protect exposures on each side of the original structure involved.

Fire spread to a neighbouring house's exterior and firefighters worked to protect the structure. Police say residents in the area have been evacuated from their homes until the fire is under control.

The public is asked to avoid the area to allow emergency services to have access. So far, police report there are no injuries and fire officials say no firefighters have been injured.

SOURCE: SASKATOON POLICE AND SASKATOON FIRE

NEAR VERBATIM

ORIGINAL PHOTO