Global Courant 2023-05-29 19:31:48
TRENTON
Evacuation orders were issued Monday as a wildfire in Halifax, the capital of Canada’s east coast province of Nova Scotia, threatened to engulf thousands of homes.
A state of emergency was declared late Sunday in the outer suburbs as flames scorched the forest, causing the evacuation order to affect nearly 18,000 residents to date.
Halifax Regional Mayor Mike Savage said: “It’s a very stressful time for people. It’s devastating. It’s changing the lives of the people affected by it. It’s a very serious fire.”
The direction of the fast-moving fire was unpredictable and people may have to leave soon, the mayor said, adding that it was imperative to avoid the affected areas.
“All efforts are being made to support this firefighting today. It’s really important that people don’t come back to the scene. Fires can start and start again. We don’t know where they might be affected next, so people have to stay away,” Savage said.
Savage said two helicopters carrying officials followed the fire to determine the direction of the fast-moving blaze as the wind changed direction and people could be forced to leave their homes soon.
“Residents are also reminded that current evacuation orders are mandatory, which means residents must evacuate in accordance with local authorities such as police, fire and ground search and rescue,” the Halifax Regional Council said in a statement. About 100 firefighters responded to the fire.
“We’re really grateful for the help we’ve received from other Nova Scotia fire departments and other first responders,” said Dave Meldrum, Deputy Chief of the Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Department. “But it’s definitely a major challenge for us.”
The mayor said no injuries had been reported as of Sunday night.
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