Fire Chief Ken Stuebing on his phone at the command centre for the wildfire in Upper Tantallon in this file photo from May 29, 2023. Photo by Tim Krochak /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentThe embattled chief of the Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency service is retiring, effective Dec. 1.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 contentKen Stuebing’s departure was announced Wednesday by Halifax Regional Municipality.Article contentArticle contentStuebing has served as Halifax’s chief and executive director for eight years and worked in the fire service for over 40 years.Article content““It has been an honour and privilege to serve alongside hundreds of dedicated and passionate HRFE members,” said Steubing in a written statement.Article contentArticle content“Each day, your commitment to protecting our communities and striving to make things better has been inspiring.”Article contentHis retirement comes after a campaign by Halifax Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 268 for a change of management at the top.Article content“We think it’s time for new management in the fire service,” Brendan Meagher, union president, told The Chronicle Herald two weeks ago.Article contentThe union launched a campaign in September blaming what they called “chronic understaffing” and a lack of proper safety equipment and training on management in the fire service.Article content“Chief Ken Stuebing and the current fire management group have lost the trust and support of the firefighters who serve HRM,” reads a statement published on social media by the union.Article contentThe campaign began after a fire resulted in a large Middle Sackville apartment building having to be condemned. The fire climbed a series of balconies on the four-storey building, got into the roof cavity and spread laterally, driven by high winds.Article contentArticle contentThe union complained that poor staffing requirements meant the first tanker and ladder truck to arrive on scene only had two firefighters each and had to combine to form one team in the initial attack. The union did not state that fully staffed trucks would have led to a different outcome.Article contentThe 130 residents all escaped the burning building and there were no serious injuries.Article content Halifax regional firefighters douse an apartment building at 119 Hanwell Dr. in Middle Sackville on Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, after a fire broke out in the building in the early morning hours. Photo by Halifax Professional Fire Fighters /FACEBOOKArticle contentThe union also complained that promised wildfire training and equipment haven’t been provided and was critical of what it called a delayed allocation of resources to the Ostrea Lake wildfire in June.Article content“Earlier deployment of additional resources could almost certainly have reduced the loss,” reads a statement from the union regarding that wildfire.Article content“While Ostrea Lake was eventually brought under control, had the weather not co-operated we could have been facing another tragic loss of homes and possibly lives.”Article contentDave Meldrum, the deputy chief, will assume the role of acting fire chief and executive director while HRM begins a national search for a replacement.Article content“I extend my appreciation to Chief Stuebing for his eight years of dedicated service to Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency,” said Mayor Andy Fillmore in a written statement.Article content“During his tenure, Chief Stuebing led our firefighters through critical emergencies, including the 2023 Upper Tantallon and Hammonds Plains wildfire.”Article content
Halifax fire chief announces retirement after campaign for leadership change by union
