Sourced from 4 independent sources (5 reports) · 1 point in disputeHow we sourced thisDiscover Moose Jaw, Sask Today, Head Topics, and CTV News
Sources agree on most key facts but differ on 1 point.
8 key facts · 8 corroborated · 1 disputed
Where sources differ
When the fire was reported or first responded to
Discover Moose Jaw: The fire broke out Sunday evening at about 6 p.m.
Sask Today: Morse RCMP received a report of the fire on July 26 at approximately 6 p.m.
Head Topics: The fire department first responded just after 6 p.m. CST on Sunday.
CTV News: The Morse Fire Department responded to a structure fire just after 6 a.m. Monday.
Why some reports were counted once
Head Topics and CBC News — the same wire report, counted once.
When several outlets publish the identical article — often because they ran the same wire-service story — we count it as one source, not several, so the count reflects independent reporting rather than how widely one story was republished.
This summary is compiled from the independent sources listed above.
A fire that destroyed the RCMP detachment in Morse, Saskatchewan, has left the community without its local police building, but not without police service.
No one was inside the detachment when the fire broke out, and no injuries were reported. The RCMP said the fire is not believed to be suspicious, while fire investigators with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency are investigating the cause.
A loss felt across Morse
For Morse Mayor Rocky Penner, the loss is more than bricks and offices.
“I think as a community we're in shock and disbelief of what happened,” Penner said. “It's quite a huge loss for our community.”
Penner said the presence of RCMP officers in Morse has long mattered to residents, municipal leaders and emergency responders.
“It’s very nice knowing that the RCMP is a phone call away,” he said.
The mayor has also made clear what he hopes happens next: that the RCMP rebuilds in Morse.
“We’re just waiting to hear what the fire inspector comes up with for the cause of the fire,” Penner said, adding he hopes “the RCMP can rebuild in the community.”
Hydrants caused problems for crews
Firefighters encountered water-supply problems while fighting the blaze, including hydrants that failed or were out of service.
Penner said the issue is now a focus for the town. He said officials were already aware that some hydrants needed repair, and that one hydrant that failed during the fire had been working during maintenance earlier in the year.
“That just goes to show how small-town Saskatchewan really comes together when there’s a need,” Penner said of the response around the fire. “Everyone pitches in and helps out any way they can.”
The hydrant problems have also left some residents uneasy about what could happen in a future fire.
“That would be a massive concern,” Morse resident Lyle Patenaude said. “I'm hoping that they will look into that more.”
Policing will continue
The RCMP said police service in the Morse detachment area will continue despite the loss of the building.
“We’ve lost the detachment but this does not change our commitment to keeping the communities in the detachment area safe,” Insp. Jill McLaren said. “Saskatchewan RCMP does regular contingency planning, which helps us maintain police service during unexpected events, like this fire.”
The RCMP said policing in the area will continue with support from the Swift Current Rural RCMP detachment.
For now, criminal record checks and other in-detachment services for Morse-area residents are being provided through the Swift Current Rural RCMP detachment at 50 George Street in Swift Current.
“Members of the Morse Detachment thank the residents of Morse and surrounding area for their support during this time,” McLaren said. “It’s noted and very much appreciated.”
Cause still under investigation
Fire investigators with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency are investigating the cause of the fire.
The RCMP has said the fire is not believed to be suspicious. No injuries were reported, and no one was inside the detachment when it began.
For Penner, the immediate aftermath is about two things: finding out what happened and making sure Morse keeps its RCMP presence.
“It’s a huge loss because the RCMP, of course, are part of the community,” he said.
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