**** HRM Media Release
Municipal fires and impacts update – May 29, 8:30 p.m.
The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents that preliminary estimates indicate that approximately 200 homes or structures have been damaged as a result of the fires. A full assessment of the damage cannot yet be confirmed. The estimated numbers are based on initial visual inspections by first responders.
Additional information will be made available to affected residents once detailed mapping has been completed. The municipality is currently developing a plan to support affected residents. It is anticipated that this process will take several days, or maybe longer, as the fires remain active.
The municipality has engaged the Insurance Bureau of Canada and their representatives will be available to speak with affected residents at the evacuation centre at the Canada Games Centre (26 Thomas Raddall Drive) on Tuesday, May 30. Future opportunities to speak with their representatives will be available in the coming days.
Comfort centres and evacuation centre
Both the Black Point and Area Community Centre (8579 St Margarets Bay Road) and the Beaver Bank Kinsac Community Centre (1583 Beaver Bank Road) comfort centres will close at 9 p.m. tonight, May 29. The comfort centres will reopen at 7 a.m. tomorrow, May 30 and remain open until further notice.
However, if residents need a facility this evening, the evacuation centre will remain open 24 hours/day until it is no longer needed.
Evacuation information
All residents who have been required to evacuate are reminded that they must register with 311 (toll-free at 1.800.835.6428) as staff will follow-up when more information becomes available.
Residents continue to be reminded that the current evacuation orders are mandatory, which means residents must evacuate in accordance with local authorities, such as police, firefighters and ground search and rescue.
Residents are not allowed to return to their homes until they are advised that it is safe to do so by municipal authorities. Residents must remain clear of the area and refrain from filming and taking photos of the fire area, including flying personal drones.
This situation remains fluid; teams are out assessing the extent of damage. Further information will be made available to residents as soon as possible.
Please visit our website or follow @hfxgov on Twitter for all fire updates and municipal services
