Firefighters in Hantsport, N.S., have been busy in recent weeks, responding to seven illegal garbage and debris fires. All occurred during the overnight to early morning hours, and all are frustrating for the department. “It’s frustrating because our resources are better used at more significant calls than debris fires,” says Hantsport Fire Department Deputy Chief Paul Maynard. “It is tying us up, and again, creating a time commitment – time away from family and work commitments – for our members as well.” Despite the simplicity of the calls, they can be challenging to solve. “They are difficult because when we get there, most of the debris is already burnt up,” Maynard says. “But we’re trying to find some indications of who might be doing this in the community and whether it’s one or multiple people that are causing this issue.” The fire department is working with RCMP and bylaw enforcement officers to try to get to the bottom of it. Aside from tying up resources, firefighters are tasked with preventing them from spreading, no matter the conditions. “We’re still in wildfire season,” Maynard says. “Most of these fires have been set off service roads, remote locations next to woods. “We’re still pretty dry around here, and there’s still a danger of fires getting into the woods and spreading.” But there’s another risk for those responding to the calls. “It’s mostly household debris, mattresses, tires, aerosol canisters, paint cans, that sort of thing,” Maynard says. “That stuff can prove to be pretty toxic when it’s burning, so it does pose a danger to our firefighters.” For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
