No charges to be laid as N.S. marks two years since Halifax-area wildfire

CITYnews halifax / By Chris Halef

The province says no charges will be laid in connection with the 2023 wildfire in Upper Tantallon and Hammonds Plains.

The Department of Natural Resources put out a statement on the two year anniversary of the wildfire, saying the investigation has wrapped up.

“After exhausting all possible avenues, the province is unable to lay charges in relation to the 2023 wildfire in Upper Tantallon/Hammonds Plains,” the statement said.

“The Department of Natural Resources has two years from the date of an offence to lay charges under the Forests Act. Charges are only laid if there is sufficient evidence to secure a conviction.”

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The fire, which broke out May 28, 2023, burned 969 hectares, destroyed 151 homes, and forced more than 16,000 people to evacuate.

Halifax Regional Council has since approved a new $2.7 million emergency exit but it will not be completed before next year, meaning it will not be available during this wildfire season.