Wildfire Near Halifax Business Park Still Out of Bounds
A wildfire near Bayers Lake Business Park in Halifax remains out of bounds, though cooler mist and fog are providing temporary beneficial fire weather.
It started about 2:30 pm Tuesday in a forested site off Susie’s Lake, 10 kilometers west of Halifax city center. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said 30 provincial firefighters and half a dozen of the Halifax Fire had been operating on the ground since dawn on Wednesday.
The fire size had been reduced, but it was not under control
Initially, fire was estimated by the officials at 25 to 30 hectares. The DNR projected it could be roughly 15 hectares on Wednesday morning, and the estimate can change as the fire burns out of control.
Low visibility in the form of mist and fog has provided temporary better working conditions to the crews. Conditions are so bad, though, that all firefighting planes are grounded; helicopters and water bombers wait to see an improvement in conditions.
Mandatory Evacuations and Closures
Fire crews block access to parts of Chain Lake Drive as businesses are evacuated for safety.
Halifax Regional Municipality directed the compulsory evacuation of several firms on the west side of Chain Lake Drive, such as 205, 213, and 225 addresses. Evacuation is for enabling traffic flow and ensuring the safety of staff in the area.
Access points to the parking lots on the west side of Chain Lake Drive between Julius Boulevard and Kent Building Supplies are closed. Julius Boulevard and sections of Susie Lake Crescent remain restricted to allow access to emergency crews.
Outpatient Centre Remains Closed
The Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre was shut down on Tuesday afternoon and will remain closed on Wednesday as well. Nova Scotia Health moved most of the appointments to other locations or virtual. Patients who were to get their electrocardiograms have been requested to visit the Cobequid Community Health Centre, whereas patients having blood drawn are being attended at the Bayers Road clinic.
Executive Director Tanya Penney reported that the evacuation went smoothly, with support for patients who required it. Patients on dialysis were permitted to receive treatment as long as possible before being discharged.
Public Safety Alerts
The authorities cautioned against flying drones within 9.3 kilometers of the fire. The use of a drone on Tuesday suspended aerial firefighting operations briefly. Officials stated that the use of any drone over the fire zone will be met with charges since there are hazards of crashing.
Citizens have been asked not to take unnecessary trips to the Bayers Lake zone so the roads are not heavy and emergency responders can work effectively.
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Weather Conditions and Drought Concerns
Nova Scotia is in a prolonged drought, and the provincial government issued a ban on entering the woods to prevent more wildfires. The penalty for offenders is up to $25,000.
The most recent report by the federal Agriculture Department on drought says most of Nova Scotia has received less than 40 percent of normal July rainfall. Some areas have moderate to severe conditions of drought.
Air Quality Warnings
Environment Canada had made a unique report on the quality of air in Halifax County due to the smoke caused by the wildfire. Transferring its recommendations to the vulnerable groups, the agency advises older adults, pregnant women, infants, and individuals with underlying medical conditions to remain indoors and limit movements to the maximum and engage in limited exercise.
The air pollution is also dependent on the direction as well as the speed of the wind, and the concentrations of the smoke are higher, which adds the potential risk to the health cases.
Final Thoughts—How Long Could This Continue?
The fire beyond Bayers Lake Business Park continues to challenge firefighters even though it has reduced in size. Beneath the surfaces, planes are grounded, and in dry conditions, crews are hoping for an ephemeral streak of favorable weather to gain some ground.
For how long will cooler, damp weather continue, and will it be long enough to bring the fire under control before dry, windy weather comes back into play?
