Firefighters and aircraft tackle 30-hectare blaze near Bayers Lake, Halifax, prompting evacuations, road closures, and air quality warnings.
Firefighting Efforts Continue Overnight
Halifax-area crews are working through the night to contain a forest fire that erupted Tuesday afternoon in the Bayers Lake Business Park. Nova Scotia’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed at 8:27 p.m. that the blaze, estimated at 25 to 30 hectares, remains out of control despite significant progress. The fire is burning in a wooded area behind Julius Boulevard and Dugger McNeil Drive, near Kent Building Supplies.
Multi-Agency Response Mobilized
The response included 12 DNR firefighters, one helicopter conducting water drops, and earlier in the day, three New Brunswick-based planes that have since returned but remain on standby. Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency dispatched 13 trucks to the site, about 10 kilometres west of downtown, while two engines and crews stayed overnight to support DNR operations.
Evacuations and Business Closures
Authorities ordered the evacuation of all businesses between Kent Building Supplies and Julius Boulevard, with other nearby establishments following suit. The Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre was also evacuated, and its emergency response plan activated. No residential evacuations have been issued, and officials say there is no immediate threat to homes.
Traffic Restrictions in Effect
To assist emergency crews, Halifax police have closed several roads overnight, including Chain Lake Drive (inbound), Julius Boulevard, and parts of Susie Lake Crescent. Officials are urging the public to avoid unnecessary travel to the Bayers Lake area until further notice to reduce congestion.
Health Risks from Smoke
Environment Canada and Nova Scotia Health have issued a special air quality statement for metro Halifax and western Halifax County. Smoke from the fire is lowering air quality, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as seniors, children, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic health issues. Residents are advised to stay indoors with windows closed and limit outdoor activities.
Witness Accounts Describe Rapid Spread
Local resident Veronica MacIsaac was dining at a nearby restaurant when she saw thick smoke billowing from behind the shopping district. “It spread quickly, and people were paying their bills and leaving in a hurry,” she said, adding that traffic became heavily congested as evacuations began.
Next Steps in Fire Containment
Crews plan to reassess the fire’s status Wednesday morning and resume ground and aerial suppression if conditions allow. While weather has been challenging, officials remain optimistic that continued coordination between local and provincial resources will help bring the blaze under control.
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