Nackawic firefighters overwhelmed by support after blaze at fire hall

CTV Atlantic: Firefighters rally after fire An outpouring of support has come for a New Brunswick volunteer fire department after an alleged drunk driver smashed into its station.

There has been an outpouring of support for a New Brunswick volunteer fire department after an alleged drunk driver smashed into its fire hall, sparking a fire in the building Monday morning.

Police and fire crews responded to the Nackawic Fire Hall around 7:30 a.m. Monday.

Firefighters scrambled to save their equipment but when the garage doors failed to open, they crashed their fire trucks through them.

The building and much of the equipment, including three fire trucks, were significantly damaged in the blaze.

At least four other departments have loaned fire trucks to the Nackawic Fire Department, and Nackawic Fire Chief William Hopkins says he is overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.

“We’ve had numerous calls from all the neighbouring departments and as far away as Halifax. We’ve had a guy give us a call this morning. We’ve had offers from as far away as Toronto, for gear and equipment,” says Hopkins.

“A lot of mutual aid departments stayed with us until we were done last night…and getting everything tidied up and getting back in service. We were back, ready to respond last night.”

Kingsclear First Nation Fire Chief Douglas Paul was among those who dropped off hoses, helmets and a fully stocked medical bag for the 20-member volunteer fire department on Tuesday.

“This is life-saving equipment, personal protective equipment,” says Paul. “This is the backbone of any firefighter, is the structural firefighting gear, to enter a burning building, to save lives or to save property.”

A 56-year-old Nackawic man was arrested outside the fire hall shortly after the incident.

Police say Edwin Samuel Bradley has been charged with impaired driving, refusal to provide a breath sample and breaching his conditions in connection with the incident.

Bradley will remain in custody until Thursday, when he is due in court for a show cause hearing.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Andy Campbell