A fire at the City of Regina's main transit facility in the early hours of Monday caused significant damage to three public buses, city officials have confirmed. The incident, which has been deemed not suspicious, occurred at the Transit Fleet Maintenance Facility on Winnipeg Street.
Fire Crews Respond to Early Morning Blaze
Regina Fire and Protective Services were dispatched to the 300 block of Winnipeg Street just after 1 a.m. on Monday, December 29, following a fire alarm activation at the bus depot. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a dramatic scene inside the garage.
One diesel bus was fully engulfed in flames, according to a statement released by the city. The intense fire led to significant damage to that vehicle. Two additional buses parked nearby also sustained minor damage from the spreading blaze before emergency crews could bring it under control.
Firefighters remained on the scene for approximately two and a half hours, finally leaving around 3:30 a.m. after ensuring the fire was completely extinguished and clearing hazardous smoke from the building. Officials noted that the maintenance facility was unoccupied at the time, and no injuries were reported.
Investigation Underway, Ruled Not Suspicious
While a full investigation into the precise cause of the fire is still ongoing, a key determination has already been made. A fire inspector has officially ruled the incident "not suspicious," according to the city's update. This preliminary finding suggests the fire was accidental in nature, though the specific origin—whether mechanical, electrical, or otherwise—remains to be confirmed.
The City of Regina has not yet provided information on whether the damaged buses will be repaired or replaced. This decision carries considerable financial implications, as city staff previously indicated that a new standard diesel bus carries an estimated price tag of $1.08 million.
Financial and Operational Context for Regina Transit
The fire comes at a time of strategic transition for Regina's public transit fleet. City council recently revised its long-term vehicle replacement plan, moving away from a prior commitment to purchase fully electric buses.
Instead, council has opted for a more cost-effective hybrid diesel-electric model. These new vehicles, however, still represent a major investment, with an average cost of approximately $1.4 million per bus. The damage from Monday's fire will likely factor into the ongoing fleet management and budgeting process for Regina Transit.
The incident highlights the operational challenges and high-value assets involved in municipal public transportation. The city's response and the findings of the ongoing investigation will be closely watched as officials work to ensure the safety and reliability of the transit system's infrastructure.
