All wildfires in Nova Scotia have now been brought under control, more than two weeks after an unprecedented series of blazes broke out in the southwestern corner of the province and in the Halifax area.
The provincial government has announced that the huge Barrington Lake wildfire in Shelburne County, which started on May 27, is finally under control.
This fire has reached more than 235 square kilometers, the largest ever recorded in the history of the province. It forced the evacuation of more than 6,000 people and destroyed 60 homes and cabins, along with 150 other structures.
Firefighters from the province’s Department of Natural Resources, Department of National Defence, Newfoundland and Labrador and the United States are still on the scene extinguishing hot spots.
Meanwhile, government authorities lifted a province-wide burning ban, and remaining restrictions on movement and activities in the province’s forests were lifted at 3:00 p.m.
Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton said in a written statement that residents should still remain vigilant about fire safety as the wildfire season is just beginning.
“Everyone has a responsibility to prevent forest fires and ensure the safety of their fellow Nova Scotians,” said the elected official. That’s why we have the Fire Safety Card, which tells Nova Scotians when they can and cannot start a fire. »
The province-wide burning ban was announced on May 29, a day after a wildfire broke out in the northern suburbs of Halifax. The disaster forced 16,000 people from their homes and destroyed 151 residences and dozens of other structures.