‘Catastrophic’ fire likely to occur at Halifax military ammunition depot: report
HALIFAX — A major munitions depot in Halifax is at high risk of a “catastrophic” fire that could kill military personnel, destroy millions of dollars worth of ammunition and cause “severe environmental damage,” according to a newly released assessment of the facility.
The report by the Canadian Forces fire marshal found that a fire at the depot, which houses most of the weaponry for the region’s naval vessels and bases, was “likely” — with the risk of a fire being deemed high.
It said immediate steps were needed to reduce the chances of a fire at the Canadian Forces Ammunition Depot, which occupies the northern shoreline of the Bedford Basin and also has a missile maintenance facility and loading jetty.
The review was requested by the commander of CFB Halifax and completed in June 2015, but just recently released to the CBC.