In May 2023, the Brooklyn Volunteer Fire Department, located approximately 40 minutes outside of Halifax, was on high alert due to the environmental conditions that were conducive to wildfires. The spring season had brought about a “green-up” phase, where new buds were absorbing moisture from the forest, and the lack of leaf cover was causing temperatures to rise. After weeks of unusually hot and dry weather, Brett Tetanish, the current chief of the department, cautioned his team during a training session about the elevated fire risk.
Shortly after Tetanish’s warning, a fire erupted near the department’s station in Brooklyn, which was swiftly contained. However, a massive wildfire in Upper Tantallon, 60 kilometers away, generated a large column of smoke visible on the horizon. The Brooklyn firefighters were summoned to Halifax to assist in protecting structures from the encroaching flames.
The firefighters from Brooklyn spent three strenuous days battling the wildfire, which tragically destroyed 151 homes. Reflecting on the event, Logan Hope, Brooklyn’s deputy fire chief, expressed astonishment at the unprecedented nature of the disaster, likening it to incidents typically observed in Alberta or British Columbia.
The Upper Tantallon wildfire was just one of the climate-related emergencies that the Brooklyn Volunteer Fire Department grappled with in recent times, placing immense pressure on the volunteer force tasked with safeguarding their communities. With the looming threat of more disasters, the firefighters pondered how to adapt and whether their volunteer forces could withstand the escalating challenges.
The department, established by community members in the 1960s, has since expanded to around 70 members. While receiving funding from the municipality has provided them with better equipment access, they face similar constraints as other volunteer forces in Nova Scotia. Tetanish, who has been with the department for 35 years, noted a substantial increase in call volumes over the years, partly due to population growth and more recently, the impacts of climate change.
In response to the escalating climate crises, the Brooklyn Volunteer Fire Department took proactive measures by investing in a sprinkler protection system following the Upper Tantallon wildfire. This decision was validated when the system proved effective in safeguarding structures during a subsequent fire outbreak in Annapolis County.
Despite the challenges and toll taken by these disasters, the volunteers remain committed to their mission of protecting their communities. They emphasize the importance of community members following emergency guidelines, implementing FireSmart practices to mitigate wildfire risks, and supporting local fire departments. As the frequency and intensity of climate-related emergencies continue to rise, the Brooklyn firefighters stress the significance of solidarity and preparedness in the face of evolving challenges.