HALIFAX: A devastating wildfire has prompted mandatory evacuation orders for thousands of homes in Halifax city of Canada. Residents have been instructed not to return until municipal authorities deem it safe to do so.
Halifax Mayor Mike Savage confirmed that approximately 18,000 people had been affected by the evacuation measures. The orders, issued on Sunday, encompass areas including Hammonds Plains, Upper Tantallon, and Pockwock, which are suburban communities situated about 15 miles from Halifax. Throughout the night, residents in neighboring forested neighborhoods remained apprehensive.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his concern on Monday, calling the wildfire situation in Nova Scotia, the province where Halifax is located, “incredibly serious.” He assured the public that the government was prepared to provide any necessary assistance.
Deputy Chief Dave Meldrum of Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency informed reporters that the fire in the Tantallon and Hammonds Plains area is still active and not yet under control. The cause of the wildfire is under probe, and there have been no reports of deaths or injuries at this time.
Meldrum stated that approximately 100 firefighters battled the blaze overnight, emphasizing that emergency crews face extensive work for the days to come.
State of Emergency Declared in Halifax City of Canada
Following the evacuations and power outages, the city declared a state of emergency on Sunday. Several schools in the affected areas have also been closed.
Fanned by strong winds and dry conditions, the wildfire has caused significant damage to numerous homes and hindered rescue efforts. The emergency will remain in effect for seven days unless it is lifted or extended, according to the municipality.
In Western Canadian provinces, Alberta and British Columbia, an unusually warm spring has led to several uncontrolled wildfires, impacting oil and gas production. However, most of those fires have since been brought under control, enabling the resumption of production.
In Alberta, the primary oil-producing province, the severity of the challenging wildfire season has gradually diminished, allowing oil and gas producers to restart temporarily halted operations. Crescent Point Energy reported the restoration of 45,000 barrels of oil equivalent output, while Paramount Resources announced the revival of most of its curtailed production due to the fires.
