‘I didn’t expect anything to be left,’ says firefighter of Long Lake effort

A Remarkable Effort: Nova Scotia Firefighters Battle Wildfire to Save Homes

In Annapolis County, a Nova Scotia firefighter named Dave Rockwood has shown incredible leadership in the fight to save homes from the devastating wildfire that swept through the area. With 20 years of firefighting experience under his belt, Rockwood was recently promoted to the role of provincial fire and ground search and rescue co-ordinator, just days before the Long Lake fire was sparked by lightning on Aug. 13.

During his first three weeks in this new position, Rockwood played a pivotal role in organizing the largest effort to protect structures from fire in the province’s history. Despite facing daunting conditions, with flames reaching heights of 200 feet at times, Rockwood and his team managed to save the majority of homes in the area.

Upon arriving at the scene, Rockwood collaborated with the Bridgetown fire chief to devise a plan to safeguard the homes in the fire’s path. They coordinated the deployment of equipment from fire departments across the province, strategically placing it along a 10-kilometre stretch to create a line of defense.

Volunteer firefighters worked tirelessly to remove anything that could fuel the flames from around homes, relocating patio equipment and propane tanks while ensuring windows were shut. Some homes with nearby water sources were equipped with fire sprinklers, but the dry conditions demanded additional measures.

Firefighters from the Department of Natural Resources focused on directly confronting the fire, buying time for volunteers to saturate the surrounding area with water. By employing innovative techniques, such as rehydrating parched grass to steer the fire away, the team managed to protect a significant number of structures.

Despite the challenges they faced, Rockwood commended the dedication and resilience of the firefighters involved, emphasizing the collaborative effort that ultimately saved the majority of homes in the line of protection. While the fire has tragically consumed 20 homes and several other structures, efforts are ongoing to contain the blaze.

As the fire rages on, the community continues to grapple with the aftermath, with some residents still unable to return to their homes. The fall-like conditions in the area, however, have provided some relief, with dew forming on the ground aiding in the firefighting efforts.

Rockwood expressed empathy for those who have suffered losses due to the fire, acknowledging the emotional toll that the ongoing battle has taken on everyone involved. Despite the challenges, the resilience and dedication of Nova Scotia firefighters have shone through, underscoring their unwavering commitment to protecting their community in the face of adversity.