Rain brings much-needed relief to firefighters battling Halifax-area wildfires
Officials in Canada’s Atlantic Coast province of Nova Scotia said a wildfire that drove thousands of residents from their homes over the past week is now believed to be suppressed because of the rain
Department of Natural Resources and Renewables crew members Matt Sartoris (left) and Ryan McLellan cool off while fighting a wildfire near Tantallon, Nova Scotia, Thursday, June 1, 2023. Rain and a rainy forecast for the weekend give firefighters hope they can do it The largest wildfire ever recorded in Canada’s Atlantic Coast province of Nova Scotia is under control. (Notices Nova Scotia/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Associated Press
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia – Officials in Canada’s Atlantic Coast province of Nova Scotia said Saturday a wildfire that drove thousands of residents from their homes over the past week has now largely been contained due to the rain.
David Steeves, forest resources expert at the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewable Energy, said the Halifax-area fire is about 85% contained, covers an area of 9.5 square kilometers (4 miles) and is spreading firefighters and long-awaited rain are unlikely to spread due to a combination of factors.
However, he said there remained a number of areas of concern and responders continued to closely monitor the fire and its perimeter.
The fire that broke out on Sunday spread across several neighborhoods, destroying about 200 buildings – including 151 homes – and forcing the evacuation of more than 16,000 people.
Dave Meldrum, deputy fire chief for the Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency, said the rain brought relief on Saturday but notes it also increases the risk firefighters could be injured from slips or falls, making for a tough day’s work leads.
He said two heat stress-related injuries have been reported so far and one firefighter hit his head while moving equipment.
Another wildfire, the largest recorded wildfire in the province’s history, continues to spiral out of control in Shelburne County.
