Rainfall Provides Relief to Firefighters Battling Nova Scotia Wildfires

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In a much-needed turn of events, authorities in Nova Scotia, Canada’s Atlantic Coast province, announced on Saturday that the devastating wildfire that had forced numerous residents to evacuate their homes over the past week is now largely under control. The recent rainfall played a crucial role in containing the blaze, offering respite to the exhausted firefighters.

According to David Steeves, a forest resources technician with Nova Scotia’s Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, the fire in the Halifax area is approximately 85% contained, spanning an area of 9.5 square kilometers (about 4 square miles). With a combination of diligent firefighting efforts and the long-awaited rain, the fire is not expected to expand further.

The positive news extended beyond Halifax, as Premier Tim Houston reported a decline in the total number of active wildfires across the province. The count dropped from 10 in the morning to five by mid-afternoon. Premier Houston expressed optimism about the prevailing weather conditions, emphasizing the beauty of the rain during an afternoon briefing.

However, the only fire that remains uncontrolled is located in Shelburne County, situated in the southwestern corner of the province. Premier Houston described this particular fire as “scary” due to its ongoing intensity.

The initial response from the Canadian Armed Forces arrived at the provincial wildfire center in Shubenacadie, north of Halifax. Approximately 20 soldiers from Canadian Forces Base Gagetown in New Brunswick conducted a “fact-finding mission” to assess the required military support in combating the fires. Despite the pouring rain, their presence demonstrated the seriousness of the situation.

Meanwhile, in Shelburne County, approximately 6,700 people, which accounts for half the municipality’s population, remain displaced from their homes as the uncontrolled fire continues to burn. This particular blaze, known as the Barrington Lake wildfire, ignited on Saturday and has already become the largest recorded wildfire in the province’s history, covering an area of 230 square kilometers (93 square miles). It has sadly destroyed at least 50 homes and cottages.

Dave Rockwood, a spokesperson for the Department of Natural Resources, expressed “cautious optimism” that the fire would not expand further, allowing firefighters to adopt more direct tactics in containing it. Two other fires, previously classified as “out of control” on Saturday morning, were later reclassified as “held.”

Premier Houston confirmed the closure of schools in Shelburne County for Monday and Tuesday, acknowledging the ongoing impact of the fire on the local community.

FAQ about Nova Scotia wildfires

More about Nova Scotia wildfires

• Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables
• CBC News – Nova Scotia
• Government of Nova Scotia
• Canadian Armed Forces