Crews respond to fire outside of Halifax high-rise

A construction site by a high-rise on Cogswell Street went up in flames in downtown Halifax, triggering an evacuation of the building.

Thick, black smoke billowed over the north end of Halifax, forcing an evacuation of close to a dozen employees from a high-rise building Wednesday afternoon.

Halifax Professional Fire Fighters says it responded to reports of a structure fire around 1:30 p.m., and drew a heavy emergency response after a fire broke out among construction materials.

District Chief Brad Connors with Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency said crews were already busy responding to other calls when the alarm came in for Cogswell Street. While en route, firefighters encountered “heavy smoke,” which prompted an immediate escalation.

“I initiated a second alarm, which sends us more apparatus,” explained Connors.

At the peak of the response, about 10 units - including engines, aerial devices, command staff and a tactical support unit, were on the scene. Firefighters used an aerial ladder to rescue roughly 10 people from a balcony, while others were able to exit buildings on their own or with assistance.

“Crews are actively working to contain the fire, protect occupants, and support a coordinated, multi-unit response in a challenging environment,” read a post on social media.

They quickly located the source of the fire in an alleyway between two structures, where construction materials were burning. Connors confirmed the fire did not spread inside the building.

“All the fire was on the exterior,” he said. “It was construction material, but investigators will determine exactly what and how it started.”

According to Connors, the large puff of smoke was likely intensified by petroleum-based materials often found on constructions sites, was visible across the downtown core and drifted toward the waterfront.

Cogswell Street was temporarily shut down as crews worked to contain the blaze.

Employees working on the building under construction stood outside waiting for clearance before being allowed to return to work.

Connors credited the quick response from firefighters for preventing the situation from worsening. No injuries were reported.

Investigators remain on scene to determine the cause of the fire, and officials say they will decide when it’s safe for construction crews to fully return.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page