Wildfire near Susies Lake – Aug. 12, 5:30 p.m.

Posted:

Notification

EN

The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents that Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE) and the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (NSDNR) are on the scene of an uncontrolled wildfire in the Susies Lake area of Halifax, in the vicinity of Bayers Lake. 

At approximately 2:30 p.m. today, HRFE responded to a report of a fire in the woods near the 400 block of Susie Lake Crescent in Bayers Lake. Upon arrival, crews discovered a wildfire in the wooded area behind Julius Boulevard and Dugger McNeil Drive. 

Currently, HRFE has approximately 13 fire trucks and crews on scene. NSDNR also has firefighters on the ground, as well as a helicopter actively assisting in the firefighting efforts.  

NSDNR has also arranged for two water bombers from New Brunswick to support the fire. 

At this time, the size of the fire is not known and there is no immediate threat to structures in the area.  

Out of an abundance of caution, Nova Scotia Health closed the Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre, 420 Susie Lake Crescent, in the mid-afternoon and sent staff home for the remainder of the day. 

Halifax Regional Police (HRP) are assisting firefighting operations with street closures and, as a precaution, have completed an evacuation of businesses  in the immediate area, from the Kent Building Supplies store at 225 Chain Lake Drive to Julius Boulevard. Businesses across the street have not been evacuated at this time.  

Police have also closed Lacewood and Washmill Lake drives into Bayers Lake. 

People are asked to avoid unnecessary travel into the Bayers Lake area as reducing traffic congestion will help emergency crews respond more quickly to the fire and allow people to leave the area safely. 

Local residents affected by smoke are advised to shelter in place, stay inside and turn off air exchangers. There are no evacuations of residential properties in the area. 

Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. 

The municipality will continue to provide updates on Bluesky at @hfxgov.bsky.social, Facebook and Instagram.