N.S. community continues to recover from 2023 wildfire
The quiet streets of Upper Tantallon, N.S., were filled with smoke and panic a little over a year ago as a wildfire raged through the area. Since then, the community has faced months of work and worry.
Dustin O'Leary, a resident and former president of the Westwood Hills Residents Association, said the community has worked toward preparing for wildfires.
"The community has really stepped up and made sure that we are better off than we were in May of last year," said O'Leary. "From a government perspective, the municipality has done a few things, but they could do a lot more."
A major problem during the wildfire was the limited evacuation routes. Residents had only one way out, and while the city has built emergency exits for some areas, most still lack them.
"Especially communities that tend to be landlocked, that are on the water and have literally one way in and out with no other hope of getting out," said O'Leary.
Halifax Regional Municipality councillor Pam Lovelace said the city is working on improving evacuation routes.
"We've been working very closely with property owners and engineers, trying to figure out the quickest and safest route to get people out," said Lovelace.
While acknowledging more work is needed, the city believes it is now much better equipped to deal with fires.
"We have a brand-new wildfire mitigation expert, more training for staff on wildfire mitigation, and we're working with communities through the FireSmart program," Lovelace added.
Given Upper Tantallon's high wildfire risk, the local fire station will soon be staffed around the clock. More firefighters will be hired and additional wildfire trucks will be added.
"Right now, there are three [wildfire trucks], and a tender will be awarded shortly. We've modified our responses and look at the information we have to best use it for future planning," said Roy Hollett, deputy fire chief of Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency.
He said those trucks will go to areas with a higher chance of wildfires.
Halifax Fire has also prepared a 100-page report for the council detailing last year's wildfire response, identifying any gaps and highlighting areas for improvement. This report will be delivered to the council next month.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7028745.1725663146!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Pakistani citizen arrested in Canada, charged with plotting terrorist attack in New York
A Pakistani citizen who resided in Canada has been charged with plotting a terrorist attack at a Jewish centre in New York City.
Trudeau insists he's staying on as Liberal leader. But what if he changes his mind?
The Liberal caucus is set to meet in Nanaimo, B.C., next week for a retreat ahead of the fall parliamentary sitting. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau insists he will lead his party into the next election despite polls citing his unpopularity among Canadians. Here's a look at what would happen if he decided to call it quits.
Despite union protest, new hybrid work rules for federal employees kick in Monday
Public service unions will start the week with an early-morning rally opposing the policy. But despite the unions' 'summer of discontent' and an ongoing court challenge, the new rules will still kick in on Sept. 9.
Two astronauts are left behind in space as Boeing's troubled capsule returns to Earth empty
Boeing's first astronaut mission ended Friday night with an empty capsule landing and two test pilots still in space, left behind until next year because NASA judged their return too risky.
opinion What do you need to do in order to retire early?
Financial Independence and Early Retirement (FIRE) is a growing movement for people looking to retire earlier than the traditional age. Personal finance contributor Christopher Liew digs into the origins of the FIRE formula and outlines steps to implement it in your life.
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Cathy Merrick dies after collapsing outside Winnipeg courthouse
The Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has died after collapsing outside of the Manitoba courthouse Friday afternoon, according to multiple sources.
Here's what jobs will survive in the AI boom: Statistics Canada estimates
A recent study by Statistics Canada sheds light on how different occupations may be affected by the AI boom, including those who might lose their jobs in a more automation-driven future.
The heads of the CIA and MI6 issue a joint call for a ceasefire in Gaza
The heads of the American and British foreign intelligence agencies said Saturday they are 'working ceaselessly' for a ceasefire in Gaza, using a rare joint public statement to press for peace.
Vancouver wastewater has the highest level of fentanyl byproduct in Canada, by far
New wastewater data shows that Vancouver had the highest levels of a fentanyl byproduct among cities tested in Canada, four to five times as much as any other location studied.