A Saskatoon Fire Department investigator discovered smudging material was the cause of an early morning fire.
The official determined material used for smudging – an Indigenous spiritual ritual that involves burning traditional plants – was accidentally left next to combustible material.
An alarm company called firefighters to the 2000 block of Arlington Avenue at around 6:20 a.m. on Saturday.
Read more: Cause of 22nd Street West fire deemed suspicious: Saskatoon fire dept.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a sprinkler system had extinguished the fire. Crews then ventilated the building.
A fire department statement said the total damage was around $10,000.
The statement also urged property owners to consider buying a lockbox so firefighters can more easily access buildings in emergency situations.
