Rural fire departments worried about low water levels in ponds, lakes

CBC

10 hours ago

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A fire captain in West Hants is concerned about the water levels in the lake that her department uses to combat fires.
Jennifer Daniels of the Hantsport Fire Department says the continuing dry conditions are putting pressure on firefighters from two sides — the dryness makes it easier for fires to start and the water needed to put them out is evaporating.
She said many of the usual rural water sources, like ditches, ponds and lakes, have dried up or are harder to access.
"So, it makes it a little more taxing for fire departments," she said.
Daniels says that firefighters have enough to worry about in an emergency without the added challenge of locating water.
She said while departments closer to the coast may be able to use the ocean, it is not an option for her department.
Daniels says that the Hantsport department draws water from Davidson Lake, which is at critically low levels. There is no rain in the forecast for the foreseeable future.
The concern isn't isolated to West Hants.
Devin d'Entremont, the fire chief of the West Pubnico Fire Department in Yarmouth County, says the ponds that his department relies on are also being affected by the lack of rain.
"We have designated ponds throughout the community that are fenced off, and they're specifically for us to get water from, and they're getting low," he said.
According to the Canadian Drought Monitor, Nova Scotia has abnormally dry areas, with the central region experiencing a moderate drought as of June 30.
That means the province has had below-average rainfall, with much of Nova Scotia receiving less than 85 per cent of its normal precipitation.
Some municipalities have issued water conservation notices and the province has issued a burn ban until October.
D'Entremont said his department would have to ask neighbouring departments for water if the ponds get too low. Salt water can be used, but only if absolutely necessary.
Daniels said her department would have to look for alternatives if the current situation worsens, but dry conditions are having the same effect everywhere else.