A helicopter drops water on the wildfire in Tantallon (Photo credit: Communications Nova Scotia).
Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Deputy Chief Dave Meldrum confirmed that roughly 200 structures have been damaged by the wildfire in Tantallon, with most of them being single-family homes.
More than 16,000 residents have been evacuated from the area as the fire continues to burn out of control. Evacuees have been asked to register with 311 to receive information about the unfolding situation.
All residents and businesses who have been required to evacuate should register with 311 or via the online form below for follow-up when more information becomes available @hfxgov @hfxfire https://t.co/o2MB9G58XL
— Mayor Mike Savage (@MikeSavageHFX) May 30, 2023
Meldrum says that crews spent the night extinguishing hotspots and open flames that were threatening more structures and that no injuries or significant incidents were reported.
He said that they will spend today continuing to fight the blaze with the help of the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables as well as the Department of National Defence which has provided nine troops and two large pump and roll range units, which Meldrum described as having excellent capabilities.
“Our plan today is to work hand in hand with our partners here at the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables. We’re being formed into approximately six strike teams. So, the strike teams will have engines and tankers and firefighters from HRM and DND and allied agencies, and will be led, supervised, and directed by the Department of Natural Resources forestry technicians,” said Meldrum.
With changing weather conditions, Meldrum knows they have their work cut out for them.
