By Judi McLeod ——Bio and Archives--May 31, 2023
Cover Story | CFP Comments | Reader Friendly | Subscribe | Email Us
Two uncontrolled forest fires are raging in Shelburne, N.S. and in Halifax Regional Municipality. Emergency Alerts have been sent out on cell networks this morning with mandatory evacuation notices.
One of the fires, the Barrington River Fire, is a 20-minute drive away from where Canada Free Press (CFP) is situated. We re safe for now as strong winds are pushing the fire away from us.
Please pray for all of those in danger in the path of both fires.
Resource: Wildfire Nova Scotia Viewer
June 2 — Update: Rain has been forecasted to start tonight and last for 3-4 days
Residents watch with dread as N.S.'s largest forest fire continues to rage in Shelburne County
Residents of Shelburne County, N.S., continue to deal with growing forest fires in the southwestern region of the province that have displaced thousands of people.
The main fire near Barrington Lake — the largest in the province's recorded history — has grown to more than 20,000 hectares in size, while a smaller fire to the northeast near Lake Road is at about 120 hectares.
May 31--Update: Shelburne County blaze likely to grow, now the largest wildfire in N.S. history
Forest fire has now reached or surpassed 20,000 hectares
The largest forest fire in Nova Scotia's recorded history is expected to grow even more Wednesday, as hot and dry conditions persist.
The fire, which started near Barrington Lake in Shelburne County on Saturday, is still out of control, and has now reached or surpassed 20,000 hectares, said provincial Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton.
N.S wildfires: ‘Difficult day’ possible as more dry weather in the forecast
Wednesday could be a “difficult day” for the crews fighting a fire in the Halifax area, as high temperatures and low humidity continues to pose a challenge.
The Halifax-area fire is one of three out-of-control wildfires burning in the province, straining resources and forcing evacuations.
As well, a third fire started in the Pubnico area Monday and crews are struggling to get it under control. As of Tuesday night, the fire covered 100 hectares.
May 30--Update: N.S. implements provincewide ban on travel, activity in woods due to wildfires
Growing Shelburne County fire has prompted evacuation of more than 1,000 homes
More than 1,000 homes and a nursing home have been evacuated in Shelburne County as an out-of-control forest fire continues burning for a fourth day.
The fire, which broke out on Saturday, is now covering an area of 14,810 hectares and is not contained. It's Nova Scotia's largest on record. In June 1976, a fire in Guysborough County lasted six days and burned 13,000 hectares.
Mandatory evacuations
Lobster season extended
May 29--Update: N.S. wildfires: Province ‘on edge’ as thousands evacuated, states of emergency declared
Fire crews in Nova Scotia are at work trying to contain two massive wildfires burning out of control, destroying homes and displacing thousands of people.
“We’re definitely a province that is on edge right now,” Premier Tim Houston said during a media availability Monday afternoon.
Shelburne County forest fire still out of control, local state of emergency declared
Local State of Emergencies have been declared with high winds and no rains forecast for the next several days.
The Barrington River fire has grown in the last 36 hours from 1,100 hectares to over 6,200 hectares as of this morning.
The RCMP reports that roughly 450 homes have been evacuated so far, affecting some 1,500 people.
This story will be updated.
RELATED: Shelburne County forest fire still out of control, local state of emergency declared
Thousands of homes under evacuation order as Halifax-area wildfire burns out of control
Support Canada Free Press
View Comments