A wildfire on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore has expanded to 1,700 hectares, more than five times its size compared to Thursday evening. The blaze, located approximately 100 kilometres east of Halifax, prompted mandatory evacuations for a 22-kilometre stretch of Mooseland Road. Provincial officials, including the Department of Natural Resources, are coordinating a multi-agency response to contain the fire as residents await further updates.
Firefighting Operations and Containment Efforts
On Friday morning, Jim Rudderham, director of fleet and wildfire management for the Department of Natural Resources, confirmed that crews are utilizing heavy aerial support to gain control of the fire. The response includes two fixed-wing water bombers from Nova Scotia, two from Newfoundland and Labrador, and multiple helicopters. Local volunteer fire departments, along with Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency, are providing ground support.
Rudderham noted that while the fire began Wednesday, the arrival of calmer weather on Friday allows for more aggressive containment efforts. Despite 4.6 millimetres of rain falling in the area overnight, officials warn that the forest remains dangerously dry. The fire is expected to move as temperatures rise throughout the day.
Did You Know? The evacuation order, which affects an estimated 100 to 150 people, was initiated after the fire crossed Mooseland Road, forcing Nova Scotia Power to disconnect electricity to active lines in the area for safety reasons.
Impact on Residents and Property
The evacuation has displaced residents, including Penny Smith, who fled to a motel in Dartmouth, N.S., after receiving an emergency alert Thursday night. Others, such as Jacob Prest, have chosen to remain in the area for now, keeping “go bags” packed in case wind conditions change and the fire shifts direction.
For property owners living outside the province, the situation has created significant anxiety. Melissa Charalambous, an Ontario resident who owns a cottage in the area, coordinated with a neighbor to retrieve her late father’s ashes and logbooks he used when he worked at sea before the evacuation zone was fully cordoned off.
Next Steps and Future Forecasts
Provincial officials are scheduled to provide a formal update on the fire’s status at 2 p.m. Friday. The immediate priority for crews is to “tighten those boundaries” around the fire’s perimeter. Looking ahead, wildfire management teams are monitoring a forecast that calls for rain on Sunday, which could assist in further suppressing the blaze.
Rudderham urged residents in rural areas to remain prepared for potential evacuations, emphasizing the unpredictability of current conditions. Nova Scotia Power is expected to assess the status of electrical lines once the area is deemed safe to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people are affected by the evacuation order?
According to estimates from the Halifax Regional Municipality, the order affects between 100 and 150 people.
Why was power cut in the area?
Nova Scotia Power cut electricity to active lines after the fire crossed Mooseland Road, necessitating an assessment of the infrastructure once it is safe for crews to return.
What is the current strategy for extinguishing the fire?
Crews are using fixed-wing water bombers and helicopters to tighten fire boundaries, supported by local volunteer fire departments and the Department of Natural Resources.
Are you or someone you know currently affected by the evacuation order or monitoring the situation from outside the province?