30 May 2023 | 01:34 AM UTC
Canada: Emergency crews responding to wildfire in Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia, as of late May 29 /update 1
Emergency crews responding to wildfire in Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia, Canada, as of late May 29; evacuations ongoing.
Event
Crews are working to contain a wildfire burning near Tantallon in Nova Scotia's Halifax Regional Municipality as of late May 29. Authorities in Halifax Regional Municipality declared a local state of emergency late May 28. As of late May 29, the fire was approximately 788 hectares (1,947 acres) in size. More than 200 personnel are on-site battling the blaze. Authorities have not provided an estimated containment date for the fire; hot and dry conditions may hamper firefighting efforts over the coming days. Additional wildfire growth is likely. Air quality advisories are in place for Halifax Metro and Halifax County West due to smoke from the wildfire.
Authorities have evacuated around 16,000 people from areas near the wildfire. Evacuation orders are in place for Hammonds Plains, Pockwock, and Upper Tantallon, including Glen Arbour, Haliburton Hills, Highland Park, Indigo Shores, Lucasville Road all the way to Sackville Drive, Maplewood, McCabe Lake, Pockwock Road, Voyageur Way including St. George Boulevard, Westwood Hills, and White Hills subdivisions. Officials have established an evacuation center at the Canada Games Centre and comfort centers in Black Point and Area and Beaver Bank Kinsac community centers to assist residents impacted by the fires. Preliminary reports indicate that the fire has damaged around 200 structures; crews have yet to conduct full damage assessments due to the ongoing wildfire. Several schools in the vicinity are closed. Hammonds Plains Road is closed between Flat Lake Drive and Northwood Road. Reports indicate power outages in the area.
Transport
The wildfire may cause some localized transport disruptions in the region. The status of nearby roads will likely change over the coming hours and days; authorities could close routes within the wildfire complex and evacuated communities due to fire activity and the requirements of response operations. The return of residents could disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.
Advice
Heed all evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected area; road closures and detours may cause increased congestion and delays. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in an easily accessible "go-bag." Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged power outages.
Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses may be more susceptible to the negative effects of smoke inhalation. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.
