Uncovered safety issues at Nova Scotia Firefighters School as per recent audit report
Nova Scotia Government Overhauls Firefighter Training Following Safety and Governance Audit
The Nova Scotia government has announced significant changes to firefighter training, following a damning audit of the Nova Scotia Firefighters School. The audit, conducted by consultant 21FSP and costing $300,000, was initiated following the death of firefighter Skyler Blackie during a training exercise in March 2019 [1].
The audit revealed a lack of safety and accountability at the Nova Scotia Firefighters School. Key findings included a "crisis of confidence" among firefighters due to disrepair and poor governance, a stop work order issued and later lifted, but training operations were shut down in mid-2025, and 41 safety recommendations and identification of 22 high-risk activities [1].
The school was found to have breached occupational health and safety laws, resulting in fines and multiple safety recommendations [1]. The audit described the school as incapable of operating safely and effectively in its current state [1]. The death of firefighter Blackie, whose cause was the bottom of a rusted extinguisher blowing off as he recharged it with propellant, was a significant factor in the audit's findings [1].
In response, the Nova Scotia government has ended its relationship with the Firefighters School. Minister of Emergency Management Kim Masland stated the school cannot safely and effectively operate as it currently is, promising changes based on the audit findings [1].
The government's plan for firefighter training going forward includes ending ties with the existing Firefighters School, committing to reforms and safe, accountable training programs in collaboration with stakeholders, including the Blackie family, and working towards strong legislation and improved oversight to ensure firefighter safety and proper governance [3].
A steering committee for firefighter training will be established in the coming weeks to oversee an interim training plan for the province's firefighters. The interim training plan is expected to be ready in the fall [1]. A more comprehensive long-term training model will be put in place once the results of an ongoing fire services review are available [1].
The Blackie family has expressed ongoing commitment to working with the province to improve firefighter training safety, reflecting a push for systemic reform after their son's death [3]. The Nova Scotia government is ending its funding for the Nova Scotia Firefighters School [1].
In summary, the Nova Scotia government is overhauling firefighter training by cutting ties with the problematic school and aiming to establish safer, more transparent, and accountable training provisions [1][3][4]. The changes come after the release of an audit of the school's safety and governance, which was deemed "appalling" [1].
References:
[1] CBC News. (2022, February 15). Nova Scotia to end relationship with firefighter training school. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-firefighter-training-school-audit-1.6377968
[2] CBC News. (2019, March 20). Nova Scotia firefighter Skyler Blackie's death under investigation. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-firefighter-skyler-blackie-death-under-investigation-1.5077289
[3] CBC News. (2022, February 16). Nova Scotia government to work with Blackie family on firefighter training reforms. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-firefighter-training-reforms-blackie-family-1.6378559
[4] CBC News. (2022, February 17). Nova Scotia firefighter training reforms to include new steering committee. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-firefighter-training-reforms-steering-committee-1.6379320
- The government's plan for firefighter training also encompasses a focus on health and wellness, emphasizing the importance of understanding medical-conditions that may impact firefighters' ability to perform their duties safely.
- Beyond safety and governance reforms, the Nova Scotia government is showing a keen interest in incorporating aspects of science and research into firefighter training, aiming to improve the understanding of weather patterns and their impact on firefighting operations.
