Nova ScotiaFirefighters in Joggins, N.S., have requested a review into the decision to close the community’s fire department.Past report recommended against combining service with River HebertLuke Ettinger · CBC News · Posted: Nov 03, 2025 5:00 AM EST | Last Updated: 3 hours agoListen to this articleEstimated 3 minutesJohn Reid, a volunteer firefighter in Joggins for 41 years, wants to see a decision to close the community’s fire department overturned. (Luke Ettinger/CBC)Firefighters in Joggins, N.S., want Municipality of Cumberland council to review a decision by municipal staff to close the community’s fire department.The municipality said in October it was shutting down the Joggins Volunteer Fire Department, citing the “misconduct and poor judgment” of leadership, training deficiencies and structural issues with the building. The chief and deputy chief, who are brothers, are facing criminal charges stemming from an off-duty incident. John Reid, a firefighter with the department for 41 years, said he remains disappointed with the decision to close the department. Fire service is now being provided by a neighbouring community.“I don’t think we should give up without some fight,” Reid said in an interview at the fire hall. “There’s going to be services lost here because of moving the fire department out the way they did.“I’ve been around long enough to see where even a few people can make a big difference. I believe property will be lost, and I believe even possibly lives will be lost.”The Joggins Volunteer Fire Department building was previously a theatre. Concrete pillars where there used to be double doors are deteriorating. (Luke Ettinger/CBC)Reid said training courses were provided by the county and the structural issues are not clear to him.He said there is deteriorating concrete along the front of the building, but said it could be repaired.Cumberland CAO Greg Herrett said the fire department will be able to make its case for registration in a written submission to council.He said a public meeting in council chambers, which would also include a staff submission with reasons for its decision, could come as soon as November. Herrett said council would make a decision at a second public meeting approximately a week to 10 days after the first meeting.The River Hebert fire department, about five kilometres away, is providing coverage for Joggins. Its fire hall is slated for replacement at an estimated cost of $3.5 million. A fire service review from three years ago said both the Joggins and River Hebert halls need replacing. The report by Goudreault Associates recommended against a combined station centrally located between the two communities, pointing to increased response times. The location for a new River Hebert fire hall has not been determined. Reid said River Hebert deserves a new fire hall, but it doesn’t alleviate concerns about extended response times to his community. “[The new building is] not going to save a life,” he said. “It’s going to give you a nicer place to house your equipment.” Reid, who is retiring from firefighting, said other members are deciding whether to join other fire departments. “A lot of things that make you become a firefighter is the pride in looking after your own community … so I don’t know how many, if any, are going to move on,” he said. MORE TOP STORIESABOUT THE AUTHORLuke Ettinger is a reporter with CBC Nova Scotia based in Truro. Reach him at luke.ettinger@cbc.ca.
Joggins firefighters ask municipality to review department closure
