Posted:
Notification
The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents that the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (NSDNR) has estimated that the area of the Susies Lake wildfire is still 15 hectares and is being held.
All NSDNR and Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE) personnel have departed the scene for the night. Halifax Regional Police (HRP) will remain at the site overnight to maintain security
NSDNR and HRFE personnel will return early tomorrow morning to reassess the state of the fire and resume firefighting efforts, as needed.
At this time, there is still no threat to residents and structures.
Mandatory evacuation of businesses lifted – 11 a.m. today
The mandatory evacuation of all businesses in the plaza on the west side of Chain Lake Drive, between the off-ramp for Highway 2 and Julius Boulevard, was lifted at 11 a.m. today. This encompassed the civic addresses at 205, 213 and 225 Chain Lake Drive.
Julius Boulevard remains closed
Julius Boulevard, from the intersection with Dugger McNeil Drive to the intersection with Susie Lake Crescent remains closed to assist firefighting efforts.
Barriers are in place and HRP remain in the area.
Access to Susie Lake Crescent is available via Chain Lake Drive, this includes the Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre, 420 Susie Lake Crescent.
Halifax Transit operations
Route 28 Bayers Lake returned to regular routing once the mandatory evacuation was lifted earlier today and is detouring as needed to provide service to the Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre.
For the latest updates on Halifax Transit service, follow @hfxtransit.bsky.social and visit the webpage.
Fire safety at construction sites
The municipality is urging those operating construction sites to ensure they follow site safety protocols. At this time, it is particularly critical to:
- Eliminate all ignition sources, such as smoking and open flames;
- Keep main fuel supply stored in approved tanks, located on level ground and kept away from work areas;
- Park, shut down and cool all equipment prior to fueling;
- Provide continuous fire watch for two hours after construction activities; and
- Prevent brush or other debris from accumulating under or around equipment.
Site operators also have a responsibility to regularly examine construction sites, ensure the early availability of water and firefighting supplies and train employees in basic firefighting procedures. Site operators are also reminded to clean up fuel spills immediately using noncombustible absorbing compounds and to protect high-value special equipment with a fixed extinguishing system.
Air quality concerns
Although smoke from the wildfire has significantly decreased, residents are still advised to monitor current air quality conditions through Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index for Halifax.
For more information about how to protect physical and mental health due to the impact of wildfire smoke, including recommendations on participating in outdoor events and activities, visit the Government of Canada’s website.
Drones are prohibited
Residents are reminded that the operation of a drone within 9.3 km of the wildfire is prohibited as it will impede firefighting operations. If unauthorized drones are present in the area, firefighting aircraft must be grounded and crews will have to suspend operations, putting residents and communities at risk.
Anyone found in contravention of this could be subject to fines and/or jail.
Additional information and guidance
At this time, there is no impact to municipal services. Should that change, residents will be notified accordingly.
Local residents affected by smoke are advised to shelter in place, stay inside and turn off air exchangers. There were no evacuations for residential properties associated with this event.
Residents are encouraged to register for hfxALERT, the municipality’s mass notification system to receive urgent and non-urgent public alerts by phone, email or text.
Information will continue to be provided as it becomes available on our webpage and shared via Bluesky at @hfxgov.bsky.social, Facebook at @hfxgov and Instagram at @hfxmoments.
For more information, visit halifax.ca/emergency-communication.