Local State of Emergency Declared as Wildfire Ravages Near Halifax

The Halifax Regional Municipality has taken the decision to declare a local state of emergency in the areas affected by a large-scale wildfire, which has prompted the evacuation of thousands of residents, led to school closures, and caused power disruptions in the vicinity of Halifax.

In an official statement released on Sunday night, the municipality specified that the state of emergency would be in effect for a period of seven days, unless otherwise modified or extended.

According to the municipality, invoking a state of emergency under the Emergency Management Act allows for enhanced coordination between different levels of government, access to emergency discretionary funds, and the capacity to mobilize additional resources, organizations, and businesses to support the evacuated individuals.

Significant Evacuations

The Nova Scotia Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has issued evacuation orders for residents residing in several subdivisions within the Upper Tantallon/Hammonds Plains area due to the rapid advancement of the wildfire. The Westwood Hills subdivision in Upper Tantallon, Nova Scotia, was the first to be evacuated, with at least 10 homes already engulfed by the fire.

Rob Hebb, the District Chief of Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency, stated that numerous firefighting teams were working diligently to contain the fire. Additionally, one helicopter was already present at the scene, and another was en route to provide assistance.

Deputy Chief Dave Meldrum provided an update on Sunday evening, stating that no injuries had been reported thus far from the ongoing fire; however, he emphasized that the situation remained “not under control.”

Meldrum mentioned that firefighters would gain a better understanding of the fire’s scale on Monday, as Nova Scotia Natural Resources and Renewables would be conducting an aerial survey.

He cautioned residents to prepare for the possibility of an extended absence from their homes, stating, “Our firefighters will be present for several days. Even after extinguishing the visible fire, extensive efforts will be required to uncover any concealed fire beneath the ground. This operation will be of significant duration, and individuals should be prepared accordingly.”

Meldrum stressed the importance of maintaining fire safety measures, advising against outdoor burning and emphasizing the proper disposal of cigarettes. The province has already implemented a ban on domestic brush burning and campfires in most areas since Sunday.

Prior to the issuance of an emergency alert, Nova Scotia RCMP tweeted urging residents in the affected region to evacuate their homes immediately, using Winslow Drive to Hammonds Plains Road as an evacuation route.

The evacuation orders were subsequently expanded to include the following areas, as communicated through emergency alerts at 6:11 p.m., 7:41 p.m., and 10:20 p.m. AT:

• Highland Park subdivision in the nearby Yankeetown.
• Haliburton Hills.
• Glen Arbour.
• Pockwock Road.
• White Hills subdivision.
• Lucasville Road to Sackville Drive.
• Maplewood Voyager Way, including St. George Blvd. and side streets.
• McCabe Lake area.
• Indigo Shores.

Residents were instructed to bring their pets along with them during the evacuation.

Individuals are advised to refrain from approaching the area and to stay away.

The following support centers are available to assist residents affected by the fires in the Tantallon area:

1. Black Point and Area Community Centre at 8579 St Margarets Bay Road: Open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
2. Canada Games Centre at 26 Thomas Raddall Drive: Open until further notice.
3. Beaver Bank Kinsac Community Centre at 1583 Beaver Bank Road: Open from 9 p.m. and will continue until further notice.

As a precautionary measure, Nova Scotia Power has temporarily disconnected electricity in the area to ensure the safety of first responders.

Jacqueline Klaus, a spokesperson for Nova Scotia Power, stated in an email to CBC News, “Our teams are working diligently to restore power to affected customers as soon as possible. Updates and estimated restoration times can be found on our outage map.”

The Halifax Regional Municipality advises residents living near the fire to close all windows and doors, turn off air exchangers, and remain indoors until air quality conditions improve.

Additionally, individuals in close proximity to the fire should monitor the situation closely and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. The municipality recommends evacuees to bring their pets, medications, and essential supplies to sustain themselves for a duration of 72 hours.

Due to the ongoing situation, the following schools in the Halifax Regional Centre for Education will be closed on Monday:

1. Bay View High
2. Hammonds Plains Consolidated
3. Kingswood Elementary
4. Tantallon Junior Elementary
5. Tantallon Senior Elementary
6. Madeline Symonds Middle School

Cynthia McKenzie, a resident of the area, shared her experience of leaving her home with her family and pets. They have found safety and shelter in a pet store.

McKenzie recounted the suddenness of the evacuation, stating that while she was preparing dinner, her husband informed her that they needed to leave immediately.

“It all happened so quickly,” she said. “I gathered my animals as fast as possible and managed to grab my photos and albums, and then we got into the truck and left.”

According to McKenzie, the smoke and flames were extremely severe, forcing them to change their original route and find an alternative way out of the subdivision.

She described the conditions, saying, “The smoke was so thick that visibility was practically zero. It was impossible to see anything in front of you, not even your own hand.”

Following the fire in Upper Tantallon, Environment Canada issued an air quality alert for Halifax Metro and Halifax County West at approximately 6 p.m. on Sunday.

The alert stated that the smoke originating from the fire has significantly diminished visibility and air quality in the downwind area. It also mentioned that individuals may experience mild irritation and discomfort due to the smoke.

In order to alleviate the effects of the smoke, the alert advised people to seek respite in community spaces that offer cool and clean air, allowing them to take a break from the smoky conditions.