Fire likely at depot: report

A major munitions depot in Halifax is at high risk of a “catastrophic’’ fire that could kill military personnel, destroy millions of dollars worth of ammunition and cause “severe environmental damage,’’ according to a newly released assessment of the facility.

The report by the Canadian Forces fire marshal found that a fire at the depot, which houses most of the weaponry for the region’s naval vessels and bases, was “likely’’ — with the risk of a fire being deemed high.

It said immediate steps were needed to reduce the chances of a fire at the Canadian Forces Ammunition Depot, which occupies the northern shoreline of the Bedford Basin and also has a missile maintenance facility and loading jetty.

The review was requested by the commander of CFB Halifax and completed in June 2015, but just recently released to the CBC.

National Defence did not respond to a request for comment.

“Considering the potential for loss of millions of dollars in ammunition, the potential net explosive quantity present and the probability of loss of life, the fire effect severity is set at catastrophic,’’ reads the document.