A devastating early morning fire on Monday, September 15, 2025, ravaged a four-storey apartment complex in Middle Sackville, Nova Scotia, forcing the evacuation of approximately 300 residents and rendering the building a total loss.
Fire Engulfs Four-Storey Complex
Crews from Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Services were dispatched shortly after midnight to the building located at 119 Hanwell Drive. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames engulfing the structure, which contained 65 units and housed around 180 people. The intensity of the blaze quickly led to the incident being escalated to a Third Alarm, summoning resources from across the Halifax region. In total, approximately 16 fire trucks and 65 firefighters battled the inferno through the night and into the morning.
Fire officials noted that windy conditions present on Monday morning significantly accelerated the fire’s spread. Firefighters also faced challenges with water pressure, requiring the use of relay trucks to boost supply from nearby hydrants, as the building was situated uphill from the nearest water sources. District Chief Steve Bussey reported that the top floor of the building was “largely gone,” with substantial water damage affecting the three floors below.
Mass Evacuations and Community Support
The rapid spread of the fire necessitated the immediate evacuation of residents from the apartment building. As a precautionary measure, nearby homes on Hanwell Drive, spanning civic addresses 25 through 119, were also evacuated. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the evacuated residents or the responding emergency personnel. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) assisted in the evacuation efforts.
To support those displaced, an evacuation center was swiftly established at the Springfield Lake Recreation Centre. Halifax Transit provided buses to transport residents to the shelter, and the Canadian Red Cross was on-site to register evacuees and offer assistance. While residents from the surrounding homes were later permitted to return, the apartment building itself remains unsafe and uninhabitable due to extensive damage.
Lingering Smoke and Investigation into Cause
As firefighting operations continued into Monday, smoke lingered in the area, prompting local authorities to advise residents to stay indoors and turn off air exchangers to mitigate air quality concerns. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by fire officials. Initial observations suggest the fire may have originated on an exterior deck at the front of the building.
This incident is a significant piece of local news, highlighting the destructive potential of fires and the resilience of the Sackville community in coming together to support those affected. While the building is a total loss, the focus remains on providing aid to the displaced residents and determining the factors that led to this extensive fire. This event is being closely watched as further details emerge, making it a trending topic in regional news.
