Police deem Saskatoon high school fire ‘suspicious,’ launch investigation

Saskatoon police have launched an investigation into a suspicious fire that engulfed a high school in the city’s west end last Friday evening. The Bethleham Catholic High School was the target of multiple 10:30 p.m. calls, with police and firefighters arriving en masse. Footage from social media depicts a towering fire with copious smoke billowing above the flames.

The school’s aftermath is a charred landscape, with blackened portable classroom structures littered with debris. Caution tape encircles the exterior, from entrances to the area most ravaged by the inferno, and pink warning signs indicate ongoing investigation and restricted access.

Fire and damage restoration crews are in attendance. The flames reportedly ignited from the school’s construction zone, where new portable classrooms were being erected. The City of Saskatoon has declined to comment, pending investigation completion.

The school’s principal alerted the community via email on Saturday, noting water and smoke damage in various areas. Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools spokesperson said damage assessment and cleanup are underway at the main building, but not at the portable location due to restricted access. The board has not disclosed details about student impact or programming.

The school principal emphasized decisions will be finalized once verified by fire and emergency personnel. Shelda Hanlan Stroh assured the community that updates will be provided "as soon as it becomes available." Global News encourages readers to designate them as a Preferred Source to stay informed about this unfolding story.