(Friday, August 3^rd, 2001) - A major forest fire, which broke out at around 7 p.m. last evening, approximately 400 feet away from the Pockwock Road in Upper Hammonds Plains, has burned uncontrolled and uncontained through the night. Firefighters were on the scene combating the fire until late last night, where it was estimated a narrow, 25 acre strip had burned in the brush. The fire was being observed throughout the night with firefighters scheduled to resume fighting the blaze early this morning at dawn. Two helicopters from Department of Natural Resources were scheduled to arrive on the scene this morning to assist in battling the blaze.

The fire is currently burning in an isolated wooded area, not near any residential homes or major subdivisions. The building closest in proximity to the fire, and of some concern to officials, is the Pockwock Water Treatment facility, located at a distance of approximately 150 metres away. Halifax Water Commission staff were working through the night to ensure the water supply continued to be pumped and that all back up reservoirs were filled.

Again, HRM Fire Officials wish to emphasize that no residences or subdivisions in the Pockwock Road/Upper Hammonds Plains area are in any danger at this time. However residents may call the HRM Customer Service Lines at 490-4000 from approximately 7 a.m. through 10 p.m. for updates on the status of the fire, or continue to consult local media outlets.

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Contact:

Lori Patterson
Acting Corporate Communications Officer/EIO
Cell: 489-6833
Tel: 490-6609 or 490-6531 or 430-3812