An early morning fire destroyed an apartment complex in Middle Sackville on Sept. 15, 2025. (Evan Taylor/Acadia Broadcasting)
Fire investigators are working to determine the official cause of the devastating blaze that tore through a four-storey apartment building on Hanwell Drive in Middle Sackville early Monday, but firefighters say the way the flames spread highlights vulnerabilities in modern construction.
Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency crews were called to the 65-unit building just after midnight. Within minutes, flames had engulfed the upper floors and roof. Roughly 180 people were forced to evacuate, and while no injuries were reported, the building has been declared a total loss.
The Halifax Professional Fire Fighters group says several factors contributed to the speed of the blaze.
Sprinklers were present in the building, but they say many systems didn’t extend to exterior balconies, roof voids, or attics. Once fire enters those areas, sprinklers are unable to contain it.
The fire is also believed to have reached concealed spaces known as voids — hidden areas in walls and roofs where flames can travel quickly from unit to unit. Even when fire separations are in place, they can be overwhelmed once the blaze reaches these gaps.
Crews faced additional challenges on the ground.
Firefighters launched an immediate offensive attack upon arriving to the scene, but struggled with limited water pressure because the building sits uphill from the nearest hydrants.
Relay trucks were brought in to boost supply, but the sheer size of the fire and building vulnerabilities worked against containment.
Despite those obstacles, firefighters were able to prevent the flames from spreading to a neighbouring apartment complex and nearby homes. Several pets were rescued, though some remain unaccounted for.
The fire is still under investigation, but officials say the outcome underscores the need for building standards, equipment, and staffing levels that reflect the risks posed by today’s large multi-unit structures.
