A generator hums in a grassy field at the Lake George wildfire operations site in Nova Scotia, while a crew member lays out numerous hoses to dry under the sun. These hoses were recently removed from homes and infrastructure, where they supplied water to hundreds of sprinklers, preventing the structures from being engulfed by flames and embers.
Following the successful containment of the Kings County wildfire, the equipment is being packed away in trailers for future use. This wildfire season witnessed the largest protective operation in the province’s history to safeguard buildings. The Department of Emergency Management is now expanding its arsenal by acquiring more structure protection units, which house essential equipment like sprinklers, pumps, and hoses.
Dave Rockwood, the province’s fire and ground search and rescue co-ordinator, expressed the government’s commitment to increasing resources across Nova Scotia to enhance firefighting capabilities. Sprinklers played a crucial role in safeguarding numerous homes and infrastructure during the Lake George and Long Lake wildfires, as they effectively dampened surfaces to prevent ignition and slowed down the fire’s progression by cooling the environment.
During the Lake George wildfire, approximately 600 sprinklers of various types were deployed, requiring significant setup time and ongoing maintenance efforts. Nova Scotia currently possesses one structure protection unit and plans to acquire additional units at $245,000 each. The province also collaborates with local fire departments like Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency and the Brooklyn Volunteer Fire Department, who have their own units.
In Annapolis County’s Long Lake fire, 88 homes were equipped with sprinklers, resulting in the successful rescue of 85 homes. Unfortunately, three homes were lost due to various factors like terrain and fuel types. The strategic placement of sprinklers on infrastructure such as bridges and around the community played a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of the wildfires.
Rockwood highlighted the meticulous planning involved in setting up sprinklers around communities, forming a protective barrier of water. The operational challenges include ensuring a continuous water supply either through nearby sources or portable tanks, with engines constantly refilling the tanks to sustain the sprinkler system.
Despite the loss of 20 homes during the wildfires, many structures, including Jason Burton’s house, were saved due to the effective use of sprinklers. Burton expressed his gratitude for the efforts that saved his home, emphasizing the importance of these protective measures during wildfires.
The province’s decision to purchase new structure protection units through its regular procurement process underscores the commitment to bolstering firefighting capabilities and safeguarding communities from future wildfire threats.
