01 Jun 2023 | 06:46 AM UTC
Canada: Emergency crews responding to wildfires in Nova Scotia as of early June 1 /update 2
Emergency crews responding to wildfires in Nova Scotia, Canada, as of early June 1; evacuations ongoing.
Event
Crews are working to contain wildfires burning in Nova Scotia as of early June 1. One fire is burning near Tantallon in Halifax Regional Municipality, and the other fire is burning in Shelburne County. Authorities in Halifax Regional Municipality declared a local state of emergency late May 28, while the municipalities of Barrington and Shelburne declared local state of emergencies May 29. Authorities have instituted a province-wide fire ban and a province-wide ban on all travel and activity within Nova Scotia's forests. 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 statements are in place for most of Nova Scotia due to smoke from the wildfire.
Tantallon Fire
The fire is approximately 837 hectares (2,068 acres) in size. More than 150 personnel are on-site battling the blaze. 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. Reports indicate power outages in the area.
Barrington Lake Fire
The fire, located near Barrington Lake in Shelburne County, is more than 17,000 hectares (42,007 acres) in size. More than 110 personnel are on-site battling the blaze. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for Jordan Bay, Jordan Ferry, Lower Sandy Point, for all communities from Port Clyde following Shore Road to Birchtown in the Municipality of Shelburne, and from Clyde River through to Port LaTour, Baccaro, and Villagedale, Barrington, and Oak Park in the Municipality of Barrington. Nova Scotia Health has evacuated Roseway Hospital in Shelburne. Authorities have recommended residents in Lake Road and Sandy Point Road evacuate voluntarily.
Evacuation shelters are in place at the Fire Department Auditorium in Shelburne and Sandy Wickens Memorial Arena in Barrington. Comfort centers have been set up at the Shelburne Community Centre, the Municipality of Barrington municipal building, and the Yarmouth Fire Hall in Yarmouth. Around 50 structures in Shelburne County have been destroyed. All schools in Shelburne County are closed through at least June 2.
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.
