A generator hums in a grassy field at the operations base of the Lake George wildfire in Nova Scotia while a team 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 that sprayed water to keep the area damp and protect it from encroaching flames and embers.
Following the containment of the Kings County wildfire, the equipment is being stored in trailers until it is required again. This wildfire season marked the largest operation in the province’s history to safeguard structures. The effectiveness of these measures has led the Department of Emergency Management to acquire additional structure protection units, which house essential equipment like sprinklers, pumps, and hoses.
Dave Rockwood, the fire and ground search and rescue co-ordinator for the province, highlighted the significant investment being made to expand the number of units across Nova Scotia. Sprinklers played a crucial role in safeguarding numerous homes and infrastructure during both the Lake George and Long Lake wildfires, as they help prevent ignition from embers and slow the progression of fires by cooling the environment.
During the Lake George wildfire, approximately 600 sprinklers of various types were deployed, requiring days to set up and weeks of continuous operation. While Nova Scotia currently possesses one structure protection unit, plans are underway to purchase additional units at $245,000 each. The province also collaborates with local fire departments that have their own units, such as the Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency and the Brooklyn Volunteer Fire Department.
In the Annapolis County Long Lake fire, sprinklers were installed in 88 homes, resulting in the successful protection of 85 residences. Despite the loss of 20 homes, including a burnt garage belonging to Jason Burton, many properties were saved due to the strategic use of sprinklers.
Sprinklers were strategically placed around communities during the Lake George fire to create a barrier of water, with Rockwood explaining the technical details of the setup. The operation of the sprinklers is a massive undertaking, with crews either pumping water from nearby sources or utilizing large portable tanks to keep the sprinklers operational.
Rockwood emphasized the challenges faced during the Long Lake fire, where millions of gallons of water were moved to maintain the sprinklers. He mentioned that sprinklers were not deployed during previous wildfires due to the rapid spread of the fires, which is typical early in the season.
The procurement of the new structure protection units will follow the province’s standard acquisition process.
