Update on Bethlehem Catholic High School fire
August 14, 2026: Since the August 7th fire at Bethlehem Catholic High School, GSCS staff have been working with Saskatoon Fire, Saskatoon Fire and Flood, insurers, city inspectors, and a number of other people and agencies to assess damage to the school, begin cleanup of the site, and plan the beginning of the school year.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate through the process and assess what the fire means for the new school year. We recognize this is a major community tragedy that affects people throughout the community and city, not only staff and students at the school.
We are grateful for the quick response by Saskatoon Fire and other emergency services. We are thankful no one was hurt.
On August 10, Saskatoon Police Service determined the fire as suspicious, and an arson investigation is underway.
Teachers will start work at the school August 25, as planned, and school will start September 2 as planned. There will be some changes to academic scheduling because of the loss of learning spaces. Details will be communicated directly with students and families.
The four portable classrooms that were under construction are a total loss. The 22 existing portable classrooms have sustained fire, water and smoke damage and are unavailable for use as of the writing of this message.
The main building has water and smoke damage. Since Saturday, August 8, when we have been given access to the main building from Saskatoon Fire, crews have been working around the clock to clean up the building and get it ready for staff and students.
Again, we’re grateful for the quick response to extinguish the fire. After being given access to the school, we recognize that the outcome could be much worse than it is.
While clean-up and investigations continue, our priorities are expanding from initial emergency response to planning the academic year. We’re going to do our best to make it as normal a first day as possible.
Whether it’s a Grade 9 student on their first day of high school, or a Grade 12 hoping for a great final year, Bethlehem is still going to be a community that learns together, plays together, has a variety of events together, and prays together.
Previous message posted August 8:
Late in the evening on Friday, August 7, a structure fire was reported at Bethlehem Catholic High School. Firefighters observed heavy smoke and large flames from the portable classrooms under construction at the school. The two-alarm fire was extinguished hours later.
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.
A special thanks to the fire crews and emergency responders. We are so blessed for their service to our community.
With the start of the school year just a few weeks away, school and division staff are working to plan any adjustments that will need to be made. A huge thank you to the school administration as well as the facility and technology services teams who were up late into the night supporting our partners at Saskatoon Fire.
As a faith-filled Catholic community, we draw strength from our shared faith and resilience in times of unexpected challenge. Please join us in keeping the Bethlehem family, emergency responders in your prayers. Together, with patience and grace, we will navigate the days ahead and ensure our students and staff are supported.
