Every day, firefighters across Kings County respond to a variety of incidents, ranging from fire alarms to complex related calls, including wildfires.
(Waterville Fire & Kentville Fire brush response trucks featuring the newly purchased equipment)
In a number of cases, our volunteer stations are the first to arrive on the scene of woods fires, using specialized equipment, making split second decisions, and ultimately putting many of these fires out before they threaten structures.
(Waterville, Wolfville & Kentville Firefighters getting a first look at some of the equipment purchased with the donations by the rotary clubs)
After months of planning, donations and equipment, 13 fire stations across Kings County will be better equipped with wildfire gear for the 2027 season, thanks to five Rotary clubs.
(Firefighters and Rotary Club members stand proudly with their apparatus and new equipment)
Following a series of serious wildfire incidents in 2025, including the Lake George wildfire, the Kentville Rotary Club reached out to the local fire departments to do something in recognition of their efforts.
The rotary clubs wanted to make a donation towards equipment that the fire service didn’t have available, that would benefit the communities in which they work to protect.
“This was the proposal, the money would be used to purchase equipment that departments didn’t already have, that wasn’t coming from the Departments of Natural Resources with the equipment placed on brush response trucks.” Shared Canning Fire Chief, Jeff Skaling.
With this particular project beginning almost a year ago, it’s branched into a much larger effort, taking some time it’s been made possible by the Kentville Rotary, Wolfville Mud Creek, Wolfville Rotary, New Minas Sunrise Rotary & the Middleton Rotary Clubs.
(Rotary Club members from different organizations who helped contribute $21,500)
Through the Kings County Firefighters Association, they formed a committee to help determine what equipment would be best suited for all stations (Pictured below)
When the idea was initially brought forward, there were discussions about supporting the purchase of a county sprinkler protection unit, but it was learned that the province had already purchased one to be stationed in Kings County.
The committee worked hard, switching gears, identifying different types of equipment while working with chiefs across the county to a list of items to eventually be distributed to all the departments.
(Wildfire equipment purchased with the donation made by the Rotary Clubs)
With the gear purchased, fire departments will now have access to an array of added and new tools, from hose stranglers, nozzles, gated wyes, wildfire axes, hose bags, chainsaw helmets, medical bags, tick removal kits and even bug spray.
(Pictured left to right – Deputy Chief, Paul Maynard, Hantsport Fire Department & Captain, Wade Young,
Kentville Fire Department)
The Rotary clubs are ultimately responsible for providing this large donation towards the following equipment that will be spread around fire trucks across the county.
Not only did the clubs over the last year help with supporting the fire service, they played a critical role in donating over $58,000 to the community of West Dalhousie as a result of the wildfires in 2025.
“This was a real pleasure to work with the fire departments over the last year, all the Rotary clubs were responsible for this project from the start.” Shared by Kentville Rotary Past President Phil Warren.
Firefighters are undoubtedly thankful for a much calmer wildfire season, seeing more rain and a much lower fire risk.
It’s heartwarming to see the community effort by the Rotary clubs supporting our local fire service for when volunteers may desperately need to utilize this equipment.
Attached are photos of firefighters getting a first look at the newly purchased equipment and photos of rotary members!
Adrian J.
