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A song of water and fire: Key lessons from Hurricane Fiona and Nova Scotia wildfires
Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning,
18
(2),
106-125
(2025)
Abstract
The Province of Nova Scotia has a broad range of responsibilities during provincial emergencies. Hurricane Fiona had significant impacts on citizens and government services for a considerable time due to widespread telecommunication and power outages. The spring wildfires caused widespread destruction, presented coordination and logistical problems, and resulted in mental health impacts for affected communities and responders. This paper describes the challenges faced by provincial emergency management and business continuity response teams: 1) mental health matters — the next evolution in business continuity requires building confidence in people executing the plan under stressful and uncertain conditions for extended periods; 2) senior leadership support is vital to balance business continuity priorities with ongoing operational business demands; and 3) the best plans are as effective as the relationships that make them work. The importance and value of individual and team relationships during planning, preparedness and response, therefore, cannot be underestimated.
Keywords: hurricane; wildfires; business continuity; emergency management; telecommunications failure; incident command system; mental health
The full article is available to subscribers to the journal.
Author's Biography
Emad Aziz was the Area Commander for the provincial business continuity response to Hurricane Fiona and Nova Scotia wildfires. He works as the Manager of Business Continuity at the Province of Nova Scotia, responsible for the restoration and recovery of essential programmes and services under disruptive conditions. On 28th February, 2023, Emad was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal by the Province of Nova Scotia for efforts supporting the continuity of government services during the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Fiona. He is also the recipient of the Disaster Recovery International Award of Excellence, and a Master Business Continuity Professional. Emad has made several contributions to innovating and simplifying business continuity best practices. He champions mental health best practices in business continuity such as the traumatic effects from rapid disruptive events and finding balance under duress for effective incident management. As a Canadian immigrant, Emad is an ardent advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in business continuity and emergency management.
Citation
Aziz, Emad (2025, December 1). A song of water and fire: Key lessons from Hurricane Fiona and Nova Scotia wildfires. In the Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning, Volume 18, Issue 2. https://doi.org/10.69554/IYNE5082.
© Henry Stewart
Publications LLP
Publications LLP