Nova Scotia Fire Truck Accident: Two Trucks Temporarily Lost

Weather a factor

Firefighters in Queens County, Nova Scotia, faced dangerous winter conditions while responding to a structure fire. Two fire trucks, one from the Greenfield and another from the North Queens fire department, slid off the road due to icy conditions, resulting in the loss of both vehicles. Despite the severity of the incident, no injuries were reported among the firefighters.

This truck owned by the volunteer fire department in Greenfield, N.S., is pictured after it crashed into a ditch. (Greenfield and District Volunteer Fire Department)

The emergency call came in as crews were dispatched to a fire in the area, but the treacherous road conditions made travel extremely hazardous. As the fire trucks navigated the icy roads, they lost control and veered off the roadway. Images from the scene show one of the trucks overturned in a ditch, highlighting just how dangerous the conditions were at the time.

This truck owned by the volunteer fire department in Greenfield, N.S., is pictured after it crashed into a ditch on Feb. 16, 2025. (Greenfield and District Volunteer Fire Department)

What’s next?

Local officials and fire department representatives have since acknowledged the significant challenges that winter weather poses for emergency responders, particularly in rural areas where roads may not be treated as frequently or thoroughly as in urban centers. Volunteer firefighters, who make up a large portion of emergency response teams in Nova Scotia, already face numerous challenges in their roles, and severe winter weather only adds to the risks they take when responding to calls.

This truck owned by the volunteer fire department in Greenfield, N.S., is pictured after it crashed into a ditch on Feb. 16, 2025. (Greenfield and District Volunteer Fire Department)

Efforts are currently underway to assess the full extent of the damage from the Nova Scotia fire truck accident and determine how the affected departments will continue their operations. Fire departments in rural areas often rely on limited resources, and the loss of two vehicles is a major setback. Officials are working on contingency plans to ensure emergency services are not disrupted, and neighboring fire departments may need to step in to provide coverage while replacement equipment is arranged.

This truck owned by volunteer fire department in Greenfield, N.S., is pictured after it crashed into a ditch on Feb. 16, 2025. (Greenfield and District Volunteer Fire Department)

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers first responders face, especially in unpredictable weather conditions. Firefighters routinely put their lives on the line to protect their communities, and incidents like this highlight the importance of ensuring they have the proper equipment, resources, and road safety measures in place to carry out their duties as safely as possible.