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

Saskatoon police are treating a fire that devastated a high school in the city's west end as suspicious and have launched an investigation. The fire broke out at Bethleham Catholic High School on Friday evening around 10:30 p.m., with multiple calls received and police responding alongside the fire department. Videos on social media show a large fire with smoke rising several feet above the flames.

As of Monday, the school's eastern portion is blackened and filled with debris, with caution tape surrounding the exterior from the front entrances to the most damaged area. Pink warning signs tape to doors and the building's exterior indicate an ongoing fire investigation, prohibiting access to the school. Fire and damage restoration crews are currently on the scene.

The city of Saskatoon stated they will not comment on the fire until the investigation is complete, with no timeline provided for its completion. The school's principal informed the school community via email that water and smoke damage is present in other areas, and damage assessment and cleanup have begun at the main building, though not at the location of the portables due to restricted access.

The school board has not disclosed plans for affected students or programming, with final decisions pending confirmation from the fire department and emergency personnel. Principal Shelda Hanlan Stroh pledged to provide clear, factual updates as they become available.