CITYnews halifax: Fixed-wing aircraft on standby for held Halifax County wildfire

CITYnews halifax / By Natasha O’Neill

The Environment Canada forecast shows rain and cooler conditions are coming to Halifax County, where a wildfire is still smouldering almost a week after being discovered.

In a Tuesday morning update, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says the fire burning along Mooseland Road is estimated to be 1,447 hectares in size. Firefighters are on the ground and in the air tackling the blaze that has closed the area between 2124 and 2890 Mooseland Rd.

Officials ask that people continue to stay away from the area.

Equipment operators, two helicopters and 39 DNR members are on scene Tuesday.

The fixed-wing water bombers that doused the flames earlier are on standby but “are not anticipated to be needed,” the latest update reads.

Related:

• Crews continue to hold a wildfire burning northeast of Halifax
• Crews eyeing incoming storm to douse growing wildfire in Halifax County

On Sunday, a rain system made its way across the province, allowing crews to gain hold of the fire and create breaks so it would not spread. The rain allowed the teams to decrease the size of the wildfire after it displaced roughly 100 to 150 homes last week.

Tuesday is no relief for fire crews in the area as it’s sunny and 25 C. Overnight, clouds should descend, bringing fog patches as the humidity clashes with the cool wind gusts, the weather agency notes.

“Rain at times heavy beginning early in the morning, then changing to drizzle or showers early in the afternoon,” it reads for Wednesday. “Risk of a thundershower in the morning and early in the afternoon.”

Thursday is also expected to have periods of rain and a high of 16 C.