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The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) responded to a two-alarm blaze late on Aug. 7 at Bethlehem High School. They discovered heavy smoke and large flames coming from the under-construction portable classrooms. The fire was extinguished within hours. The portables experienced extensive damage and the main school building was also smoke and water damaged.
August 10, 2026
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Photo from UNRWA
Nearly 1,500 Saskatoon Catholic high school students face an uncertain start to their 2026-27 school year due to a massive structure fire at Bethlehem High School late on Aug. 7.
The Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) responded to the two-alarm blaze after receiving the incident report at 10:32 p.m. local time. They arrived to discover heavy smoke and large flames emanating from the portable classrooms under construction at the school.
The fire was extinguished within hours. According to the SFD report, multiple hose lines were advanced, two ladder trucks were set up and crews entered the school to look for fire extension and search for anyone inside the portables.
A fire investigator is determining the fire’s cause, origin and damage.
Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools (GSCS) relayed in an Aug. 8 release that the “extent of damage to the school is unknown at this time. The portables under construction sustained significant damage. The main school has some water and smoke damage.” GSCS also offered “special thanks to the fire crews and emergency responders. We are so blessed for their service to our community.”
Shelda Hanlan Stroh, Bethlehem’s principal, relayed in a letter that she knows members of the school community have questions on how this incident will affect the start of classes on Sept. 2.
“At this stage, we are waiting on confirmed details from the fire department and emergency personnel before final decisions are made,” Hanlan Stroh said. “Together, with patience and grace, we will navigate the days ahead and ensure our students and staff are supported.”
Bethlehem High School, located at 110 BowIt Crescent, is adjacent to the Shaw Centre aquatic and fitness facility. The City of Saskatoon reported that the civic building remained completely unscathed by the blaze in the neighbouring building.
(Amundson is an associate editor and writer for The Catholic Register.)
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