Thousands evacuate as Nova Scotia fights wildfires

Nova Scotia is battling devastating wildfires which have resulted in the destruction of homes and the evacuation of thousands of people across the Canadian province. 

As of Monday, approximately 16,400 individuals have been forced to evacuate their homes near Halifax, the largest city in Nova Scotia. The region has had over 100 more wildfires compared to the previous year, fuelled by unusually dry conditions. 

British Colombia has also been issued an evacuation order as fires continue to rage in the western part of the country. 

There are currently six active wildfires in Nova Scotia, with one estimated to have engulfed an area of 788 hectares northwest of Halifax, according to the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources.

Halifax’s deputy fire chief, Dave Meldrum, informed reporters that the rapidly spreading fire remains ongoing and is yet to be brought under control.

In response to the situation, local authorities declared a state of emergency in Halifax on Sunday. While no injuries have been reported, the fire has destroyed at least 10 structures.  

Due to the absence of rainfall in the forecast, it is anticipated that extinguishing the fire could take the remainder of the week, according to Meldrum.