Published May 01, 2025 • Last updated 3 hours ago • 3 minute readDNRR firefighter Kalen MacMullin of Sydney works in the woods of Shelburne County during the Barrington Lake wildfire in May 2023. Nova Scotia/File Photo by COMMUNICATIONS NOVA SCOTIA /COMMUNICATIONS NOVA SCOTIAThe Shelburne County Learning Network (SCLN) is partnering with local fire departments to deliver the ‘Be Wildfire-Wise! Be Prepared & Ready to Go!’ information sessions in various locations in Shelburne County during May.“We feel that this is an important topic for Shelburne County as most of us well remember the Barrington Lake Fire of 2023,” says Monica Gosbee, network coordinator for the SCLN. “Despite the devastation of that fire, we do feel that our communities’ bonds have strengthened as a result, and we continue to foster growth in that regard through our programming.”THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe Wildfire Wise information sessions are being delivered as part of the SCLN’s ‘Getting to Know Your Community’ program.“This is our second year of offering the Getting to Know Your Community program,” says Gosbee. “The program’s goal is to support and encourage community literacy through life-long learning while celebrating our local communities’ culture and history.”The program is funded through the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learners and the Department of Labour Skills.“We are always looking for topics that may be of interest to community members,” says Gosbee. “Over the winter staff were working on gathering emergency preparedness info when a grant opportunity from FireSmart Canada to host a wildfire prevention event was noticed. We applied, and were fortunate to receive a $500 grant which we will put towards door prizes such as first aid kits and gas cards for the events.”FireSmart Canada is also providing the SCLN with resources for the event to supplement what staff have created from various government sources.Article content“We feel being prepared for emergencies, such as by having a plan and kit in place, is extremely important, as is having the knowledge to potentially help prevent an emergency, for example checking the N.S. Burn Map,” says Gosbee. “Not only does it empower individuals to help keep themselves, their family, and their community safe, it can help to reduce the strain on first responders during those first hours of an emergency event.”A brief overview of the 2023 Barrington Lake wildfire, the nature of wildfires, how to make your home and property less susceptible to wildfire, what to do during a wildfire event, and what to do when returning home after a wildfire event, are among the topics being covered at the Wildfire Wise information sessions.In addition to FireSmart Canada resources, SCLN staff have also tapped into information from the Nova Scotia Government’s Emergency Preparedness Guide, Public Safety Canada and the Canadian Red Cross for the Wildfire Wise events.Article contentThe Wildfire-Wise presentations were slated to start on May 6 at 6 p.m. at the Ingomar-Roseway Fire Department, 4278 Shore Road, Ingomar.On May 13, the Barrington-Port Latour Fire Department, located at 165 Villagedale Road, Barrington, will host a session beginning at 6:30 p.m.On May 20 also at 6:30 p.m. the Shelburne Fire Department on King Street in Shelburne is the venue for Wildfire-Wise.A fourth presentation is in the works for May 27. Once the location is confirmed, details will be posted on the SCLN Facebook page.All attendees will receive two copies of an Emergency Plan – one paper copy and one digital copy that can be customized.All attendees will receive printed material to take home covering topics such as:• Emergency Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities & Older Adults• How to Speak with Kids About Evacuations During Wildfires• Emergency Preparedness for Farm Animals• Fire Smart Landscaping & Fire-Resistant Plants Suitable for Gardening Zone 6BArticle contentAll attendees will be entered into a draw to win one of several door prizes.Since starting the ‘Getting to Know Your Community’ program, SCLN has covered a variety of topics including cooking classes, guest speakers/special events, gardening classes, writers’ workshops, board game nights, and Tech Talk sessions on how to use electronic devices to keep in touch with family and community safely online.“The expected outcomes are enhanced life skills, social connection, and increased awareness of community resources,” says Gosbee. “We hope to secure funding to offer the program each school year as it is a nice compliment to, and creates awareness of, our core NSSAL programming which are education and employment-based.”Article content
‘We feel that this is an important topic’: Wildfire Wise sessions being delivered in Shelburne County
