Halifax firefighters’ union decries risks after multiple fires at vacant buildings

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgins

The union representing firefighters in the Halifax area are pulling the alarm on the dangers posed by “derelict” buildings after several fires in recent weeks.

Three fires were reported at the vacant Saint Patricks Alexandra School on Maitland Street in the north end last week, according to Halifax Professional Fire Fighters.

“Our members are trained and ready to respond, but each of these calls introduces serious risks – not only to fire fighters, but to members of the public who may be inside or near these properties,” Brenden Meagher, union president, said in a press release. “Derelict buildings are not just urban decay – they are high-hazard zones. The frequency and severity of recent incidents speak for themselves.”

In a statement to CityNews Halifax, municipal spokesperson Laura Wright said there have been 12 fire-related calls to the Saint Patricks Alexandra School site in the past 12 months.

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“Trespassing is illegal and puts everyone in harm’s way, including people and firefighters,” Wright said.

Another vacant school property, the Bloomfield site on Agricola Street, has also seen fires recently. A significant fire in February required a large-scale response from firefighters.

White said a demolition permit has now been issued for the Bloomfield site. The property has been owned by Alex Halef of BANC Group since 2021.

In a statement, Halef confirmed demolition has begun at the site. The permit allows for all three buildings on the site to be torn down, he said.