Nova Scotia man accepts bravery award as house fire aftermath continues

Gerrid Hunt accepted a Nova Scotia Medal of Bravery for rescuing his neighbour from a Jan. 11, 2025 house fire; Hunt says he still struggles with the events, and Halifax Fire reported the blaze was accidental and the home lacked working smoke detectors.

Gerrid Hunt accepted a Nova Scotia Medal of Bravery at a ceremony at Province House after entering a burning home in Lower Sackville on Jan. 11, 2025 and pulling out his neighbour. He said he felt overwhelmed with gratitude but had trouble feeling celebratory because of what happened that night. Three children from the home died in the blaze, and Hunt said his neighbour was hospitalized and placed in a coma before later waking. Halifax Fire concluded its investigation in May 2025 and reported the fire was accidental and that the home lacked working smoke detectors. Reported details: - Gerrid Hunt ran into the burning home on Jan. 11, 2025 and rescued his neighbour, who was hospitalized and later awakened from a coma. - Three children from the house died in the fire. - Halifax Fire's investigation, completed in May 2025, reported the cause as accidental and noted the residence lacked working smoke detectors. - Hunt received the Nova Scotia Medal of Bravery and said he has continued to struggle with sleep and the emotional impact, while his family has engaged in counselling. Summary: The ceremony recognized Hunt and three other recipients for separate acts of assistance reported by the province. Hunt says he continues to process the event and its effects on his family. Undetermined at this time.