HRM seeing spike in 911 calls from wildfire smoke
Posted Aug 10, 2016 03:58:27 PM.
Last Updated Aug 10, 2016 04:11:21 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HALIFAX – Smoke from wildfires burning across the province is causing some headaches for Halifax Regional Fire crews.
Residents have made several 911 calls with reports of simply smelling smoke so Halifax Fire is asking citizens to verify there is indeed a fire in the immediate area before they call.
HRM’s Deputy Fire Chief Roy Hollett said on Wednesday that dispatch has received dozens of phone calls citing that residents have seen or smelled smoke, but most have been linked to a large fire at Seven Mile Lake, Annapolis County.
“So far we’re into a couple dozen calls of reports of fire and it’s the smoke from the fire at Kejimkujik National Park,” he said.
Hollett said he was happy that residents are being vigilant and calling 911 but wants to ensure no crews are being dispatched for a false alarm.
Callers are asked to verify if they simply smell or see smoke before they call 911 and to provide a detailed description of the location for the dispatcher.
