West Dalhousie Wildfire: Fighting Fire, Saving Forests, Rebuilding Futures

When an out-of-control wildfire tore through more than 8,400 hectares in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis County, it wasn’t just a story on the news — it was in the backyards of forest workers, landowners, and entire communities. In this episode of Forestry Uncut, host Todd Burgess, Executive Director of Forest Nova Scotia, takes you inside the West Dalhousie (Long Lake) wildfire response and its aftermath.

You’ll hear from:

• Kaitlyn Enders, Regional Forester and heavy equipment coordinator, who managed 37+ pieces of gear and multiple dozer groups on the fire line, coordinating contractors, divisions, and specialized machinery to build fire guards and support crews.
• Stephen Freeman, a sixth-generation sawmiller from the Freeman family on the Medway River, who shares how industry and community stepped up with equipment, crews, and expertise, and why he calls the contractors’ work “real heroism.”

We explore:

• How Nova Scotians rallied, with contractors and community members offering equipment, skills, and time without waiting for a paycheck
• The critical role of planning, training, and pre-arranged contracts for large-scale wildfire response
• Why removing ladder fuels and leftover forest debris is essential to reducing future fire risk
• What happens after the flames are out:
  • Salvage harvesting and how mill AI can distinguish rot vs. burn
  • The short window to recover burnt wood before it loses value
  • Replanting and creating new, sustainably managed forests
• How salvaging and replanting can bring both closure to affected landowners and hope for the next generation of forests

The West Dalhousie fire left a blackened landscape, but also a chance for recovery, renewal, and smarter preparedness. As Stephen notes, the true tragedy would be letting this forest resource go to waste instead of using it to build a healthier, more resilient forest for the future.

If you’d like to learn more about Forest Nova Scotia and the work happening across the province, visit forestns.ca to explore resources, episodes, and stories from the forest sector.

0:00 – Out-of-control wildfire in Annapolis County
0:24 – Introducing Forestry Uncut & the West Dalhousie fire
1:03 – Role of the Regional Forester & Integrated Resource Management Team
1:29 – Kaitlyn as heavy equipment coordinator
2:04 – 37 pieces of equipment on the line
2:12 – How dozer groups fight wildfire
2:41 – Forwarders, water tanks, and hose lines
3:02 – Coordinating divisions and matching gear to terrain
3:45 – Community offers equipment and support
4:45 – Introducing Stephen Freeman & Freeman Lumber
5:04 – Six generations of sawmilling & long-term sustainability
5:47 – Community response and “real heroism” on the fire line
7:11 – Why contractors and loggers stepped up
8:25 – Looking ahead: what future fires will demand
9:05 – Lessons learned: planning, training, and contractor readiness
10:52 – What happens to 8,400 hectares of burned forest?
11:35 – Salvage harvesting and using AI in the mill
12:43 – Short window to salvage before wood loses value
13:43 – Replanting, renewal, and reducing future fire risk
14:29 – Closing thoughts & where to learn more (forestns.ca)

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