News release

Update on Wildfires, June 7

Natural Resources and Renewables

The Barrington Lake wildfire in Shelburne County is classified as “being held.”

Being held means it is not moving, but still not under control. Also:

  • it covers 23,411 hectares (234 square kilometres); the change in size reflects more precise measurement from aerial views Tuesday, June 6
  • about 130 firefighters from the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables (DNRR) and more than 40 volunteer and municipal firefighters are responding
  • air resources include two helicopters.

Evacuation information for Shelburne fires is available at: https://www.facebook.com/shelburneemo and https://www.facebook.com/BarringtonEMO

There are four other active wildfires in the province. Fires in the following areas are under control and DNRR and volunteer/municipal firefighters are patrolling:

  • Lake Road, Municipality of the District of Shelburne
  • Pubnico, Yarmouth County
  • Westwood Hills, Tantallon
  • Hammonds Plains.

In Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), DNRR is now solely focusing on extinguishing the wildfire in forested areas while HRM focuses on recovery in urban areas.

Up-to-date information on comfort centres in HRM, response efforts and evacuation updates is available at https://www.halifax.ca/ and by following @hfxgov on Twitter.

People displaced by wildfires can call 211 for information on short- and long-term accommodations available in their area.

People are asked to please remain away from all wildfire areas. People are also reminded to only call 911 if their health or safety is threatened and they need immediate help; for non-emergencies in HRM related to the police, people can call 902-490-5016.

Quick Facts:

  • there is a provincewide ban on open fires; the fine has been increased to $25,000 for breaking the burn ban
  • restrictions on travel and activities in the woods remain in Shelburne County and anywhere evacuation orders are in place
  • people should not operate drones over a forest fire; drones can interfere with the suppression effort and pose a danger to aircraft and first responders
  • a wildfire that is contained means it is partially surrounded by either natural breaks (like a road, lake, river) or a dozer line or hose line

Additional Resources:

Information on school closures and other updates related to the wildfires are available at: https://novascotia.ca/alerts/

Changes to restrictions on travel and activities in the woods: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20230604005

Burn restrictions: https://novascotia.ca/burnsafe/

News Release - Increased Fine for Breaking Burn Ban: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20230531004

NOTE: The status of the Barrington Lake wildfire was clarified June 7, 2023.

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