Wildfire crews in Halifax battled a wildfire in the woods of the Bayers Lake area on Tuesday that forced the evacuation of several businesses.
In the latest update from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), officials said the wildfire had grown to an estimated six to ten hectares. Helicopters dropped water on the blaze with planes laying fire retardant and 30 firefighters tackled the wildfire from the ground.
Reports from the scene suggest the firefighting efforts seem to have limited the likelihood of the wildfire from getting worse.
Deputy Chief Dave Meldrum, Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency, said crews were called around 2:30 p.m. for a report of a fire in the woods behind Julius Boulevard and Dugger McNeil Drive in Halifax.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 95.7 NEWSRADIO HALIFAX LIVE!Only businesses on the west side of Chain Lake Drive and Julius Boulevard have been evacuated, police noted, including the Kent Building Supplies store and a Tim Hortons.
Police closed roadways along Julius Boulevard, Chain Lake Drive and Susie Lake Crescent.
The Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre was also evacuated due to smoke. All appointments on Aug. 12 were cancelled, and people should avoid the area, Nova Scotia Health said.
“Firefighters are working to contain this fire,” said Meldrum in an emailed statement to CityNews Halifax. “We request the cooperation of the public to avoid this area as multiple fire trucks and crews are at this scene.”
Police assist with the response to the fire when evacuations and street closures are present.
In an update Tuesday evening, police said the following road closures would remain in place overnight:
-Chain Lake Drive between the Highway 102 off-ramp and Julius Boulevard (inbound lane only)
-Julius Boulevard
-Susie Lake Crescent between Julius Boulevard and Hobsons Lake Drive
Lessening the traffic congestion will help crews respond to the fire and allow those evacuating to leave safely, officials said.
Nova Scotia crews were deployed to New Brunswick on Tuesday morning.
The Department of Natural Resources have reminded the public that it is against the Forest Act to fly drones in a wildfire area.
Special air quality statement from smoke
Environment Canada issued an air quality statement for the wildfire smoke billowing across Halifax’s west end.
The smoke is reducing the air quality near Bayers Lake and downwind.
“As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events,” the statement reads.
A heat warning remains in effect across all of Nova Scotia. The national weather agency says high temperatures from 29 C to 32 C are expected through Wednesday.