Fireboats in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Although it is a busy port, there is sparse record of fireboats in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
During World War II, at least two fireboats served, temporarily, in Halifax:[1] The Rouille (later HMCS Rouille), formerly of Toronto served in Halifax; and the James Battle, formerly of Detroit.
In 1946, after the Rouille and James Battle were returned to their original owners, the Navy commissioned the FT-1 Fox (YTM-556), a tugboat built to a wartime design, modified to serve as a firetug.[2] It served from 1946 to 1974.
The Canadian Armed Forces operated the CFAV Firebird in Halifax, from 1974 to 2014, and three large tugs, also equipped with water-cannons.[2]
In 2008, the city was close to completing the purchase of Halifax fireboat 08-448B, a small 28 feet (8.5 m) fireboat, but it sank while undergoing its acceptance trials.[3]
In July 2019, the city requested tenders for a new fireboat, in the $1 million cost range, of up to 40 feet (12 m) length.
References
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Donal Baird (1999). "The Robbie Touch : Exploits of an Uncommon Sailor". Lulu.com. pp. 65, 84, 132. ISBN 9780969803119. Retrieved 2019-07-27.
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"Fireboats - controversy flares up again". 2019-02-21. Retrieved 2019-07-27.
It took delivery of FT-1 Fox (YTM-556) in 1946. It was an enhanced version of the steel TANAC standard tug, with enlarged hull to accommodate pumps and an array of fire monitors and hose connections. With its presence in the harbour, and the well trained naval firefighters, both the City and the NHB no longer felt an obligation to provide fireboats.
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"Fire boat flips in Halifax harbour". CBC News. 2008-09-17. Retrieved 2019-07-27.
A group of firefighters and a representative from the boat manufacturer were taking part in a training exercise near the Dartmouth waterfront when the 28-foot vessel flipped.
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