Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency receives international accreditation

CITYnews halifax / By Rachel Morgan

In the midst of three major blazes that firefighters battled this weekend, Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency was kept afloat with the valour of Accredited Agency status from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. This award is earned by only a select number of fire departments worldwide.

The distinction now puts HRFE among an elite group of fire services in Canada and around the world.

Accreditation is a voluntary process that rigorously evaluates a department’s operations, programs and plans across more than 250 performance indicators. It is a multi-step and multi-factor authorization process that takes years to achieve.

“Accreditation is more than a procedural achievement—it is a powerful demonstration of our commitment to quality improvement and operational excellence,” Chief Administrative Officer Cathie O’Toole said in a press release. “This process strengthens not only HRFE, but also the broader network of municipal services that work together every day to keep our community safe.”​

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According to the City of Halifax website, accreditation signifies the HRFE’s commitment to accountability, transparency, quality-focused and community-focused work.

“This recognition reflects the professionalism, dedication, and teamwork our members provide every day and places HRFE among a very select group of international fire and emergency services that have demonstrated their commitment to be better tomorrow than they are today” Fire Chief Ken Stuebing said in a press release.

HRFE’s efforts were guided by its 2024–2029 Strategic Plan and the Community Risk Assessment – Standards of Cover (CRA-SoC). Both of these strategies were developed to align with the HRM’s growth and evolving needs.

“This international accreditation is a proud moment for our city and recognizes the outstanding professionalism and dedication of Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency,” Mayor Andy Fillmore said in a press release. “Halifax residents can take great confidence in knowing their fire service meets the highest global standards for safety, service and accountability. Congratulations to the entire HRFE team on this remarkable achievement.”

The CFAI dedication is valid for five years, will annual compliance reporting and a reaccreditation process to follow.