In May 2023, the Brooklyn Volunteer Fire Department, located approximately 40 minutes from Halifax, was aware of the environmental conditions conducive to potential fire outbreaks. During the spring “green-up,” the absence of leaf cover in the forest allowed emerging buds to draw moisture, while the unusually hot and dry conditions persisted for weeks.
During a training exercise on May 23, Chief Brett Tetanish alerted his fellow firefighters about the high fire risk. Following his warning, a fire near the department’s station in Brooklyn was swiftly contained. Subsequently, a massive wildfire erupted in Upper Tantallon, 60 kilometers away, creating a significant column of smoke visible on the horizon.
Responding to the escalating wildfire, Brooklyn firefighters were called to Halifax to safeguard structures. They encountered a scene reminiscent of Alberta or British Columbia, with burnt cars and fire flanking the roads, a situation unprecedented in Nova Scotia’s history.
Over three days, Brooklyn firefighters battled the wildfire, which tragically destroyed 151 homes. Reflecting on the experience, Deputy Chief Logan Hope remarked that the event marked a profound shift in their operational challenges.
The Upper Tantallon wildfire was just one of the climate-related crises Brooklyn firefighters faced recently, underscoring the mounting pressure on volunteer forces to adapt to such disasters. In Canada, around 90,000 volunteer firefighters, constituting 70% of the total firefighting personnel, address emergency situations, including Nova Scotia’s 7,400 volunteers.
Brooklyn’s fire department, initially established by local residents in the 1960s, now boasts around 70 members. While municipal funding provides better equipment access, the department, like others in the region, grapples with increasing calls, spiking from 75 to 500 annually due in part to population growth and climate change impacts.
In response to these evolving challenges, the Brooklyn Volunteer Fire Department invested in a sprinkler protection system post the Upper Tantallon wildfire, a proactive measure to shield structures from future wildfires. The decision to purchase the system, though initially questioned by some, proved crucial in fortifying their preparedness.
Following the devastating floods in July 2023, Brooklyn firefighters faced a new set of challenges, responding to distress calls ranging from flooded basements to life-threatening situations. The deluge, claiming lives and causing widespread destruction, underscored the deadly impact of climate-induced floods, a growing peril exacerbated by climate change.
Despite the trying circumstances, Brooklyn firefighters persevered, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of recurring climate-related disasters. Looking ahead, the department recognizes the urgent need for sustainable solutions and enhanced coordination to effectively combat escalating wildfire risks.
As the frequency and intensity of climate-related emergencies rise, the Brooklyn Volunteer Fire Department emphasizes community engagement and adherence to preventative measures like FireSmart practices. By fostering a collective approach and mutual support, they aim to navigate the evolving landscape of climate-related challenges, safeguarding lives and properties in the process.