(Barrington Head) A forest fire that is still burning in Nova Scotia is now considered out of control and is rapidly spreading through the southwestern tip of the province.
A spokeswoman for the province’s Department of Natural Resources confirmed that the Shelburne County Fire “escaped containment” from firefighting crews on Saturday evening, growing to an estimated size of around 775 hectares.
More and more firefighters, air tankers and helicopters are being deployed to fight the blazes, but the dry, hot and windy weather is making their job more difficult, says Patricia Jreige.
At least one remote cabin in the Barrington Lake area was destroyed by the flames. The condition of some other buildings was still unknown.
Mme Jreige added that a dozen residences were evacuated overnight from Saturday to Sunday in the path of the fire. While some people have been able to return to their homes, there is no indication that they will not be forced to leave again in the coming hours.
Other evacuations are also expected, while part of Highway 103 has been closed to traffic.
Electricity may be cut off in some places to allow fire-fighting teams to work safely.