Crews dealing with multiple out-of-control wildfires in Nova Scotia

25 May 2020

Published by https://globalnews.ca

CANADA – Nova Scotia’s Department of Lands and Forestry is reporting three out out-of-control wildfires across the province.

Wildfires have been reported in the areas of Havre Boucher in Antigonish County, Springfield in Kings County and Argyle in Yarmouth County.

Lands and forestry says the fires in Havre Boucher and Springfield are both believed to be 50 hectares in size, while the one in Argyle is believed to be 18 hectares.

No identified structures are at risk at this time.

The wildfire in Havre Boucher has resulted in a power outage impacting 958 Nova Scotia Power customers as of 7:30 p.m.

The estimated restoration time for the outage is 10:45 p.m.

Lands and forestry says they have a ground crew and helicopter on site, as well as five volunteer fire departments and an additional helicopter.

No lives or homes lost in sweeping Porters Lake fireThe wildfire in Springfield is impacting an area near Alton Road. Lands and forestry says there are two helicopters, ground crews and volunteer fire departments responding to that situation.

The department is also reporting a wildfire in the Grand Mira South area of Cape Breton, but says that eight-hectare fire has been contained.

The wildfires come just days after one in Porters Lake, N.S., forced over 1,000 people to evacuate their homes.

It was declared 100 per cent contained Sunday evening, and there were no injuries or damaged structures as a result.

Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency (HRFE) Deputy Chief Dave Meldrum told Global News that three units were on the scene to assist lands and forestry crews to put out hotspots.

Highway 107 was temporarily closed between exits 18 and 20 as HRFE attended the scene, but the section of highway has since reopened.

A province-wide burn ban is in effect in Nova Scotia, including brush and backyard fires.