**’* HRM Media Release
Municipal fires and impacts update – June 1, 8:05 a.m.
The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents of the following updates and impacts to municipal services as a result of the ongoing fires.
Evacuation registry
Residents and businesses whose properties are located in the area of significant impact on the evacuation map must immediately register with 311 via the online form (or by calling 1.800.835.6428), as staff are contacting residents whose homes have been destroyed.
Evacuation area update
Residents are reminded that the evacuation order was rescinded only for residents of Indigo Shores (see map) on May 31 and they can re-enter the area via Margeson Drive. As there continue to be active fires in the Tantallon and Hammonds Plains areas, residents of Indigo Shores must be prepared to evacuate within 30-minutes notice.
Emergency preparedness
All residents in the state of local emergency zone should have a bag packed as they may have limited time to leave their homes if required to evacuate on short notice. Residents who are directed to evacuate are advised to bring their pets, important documents and medication with them, as well as supplies for a minimum of 72 hours.
Evacuation information and response
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 evacuation area and refrain from filming and taking photos of the fire area, including flying personal drones.
Those who have evacuated are advised that if they do not have access to their medication, they can contact any pharmacy and request a renewal. For more information, please see the guidelines provided by the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia.
View the most recent map of the fire evacuation areas and state of local emergency zone that outlines the area of significant impact. The status of the evacuation areas continues to be assessed and updates will be provided as soon as they are available.
The Canada Games Centre evacuation centre at 26 Thomas Raddall Drive is open until further notice.
Nova Scotia Health’s mobility primary care clinic is hosting a drop-in clinic at the Canada Games Centre on Thursday, June 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Major insurance companies and their representatives will again be available to speak with affected residents at the Canada Games Centre from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 1. Future opportunities to speak with their representatives will be available in the coming days.
Comfort centres
Comfort centre details are as follows:
- Black Point and Area Community Centre | 8579 St Margarets Bay Road. The comfort centre will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. today.
- Beaver Bank Kinsac Community Centre | 1583 Beaver Bank Road. The comfort centre will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today.
Halifax Transit
The following routes are currently impacted:
Route 330 – Route 330s will start and end at Sheldrake Lake (3826 St. Margaret’s Bay Road). There will be no service to Tantallon Park and Ride (3664 Hammonds Plains Road).
Route 433 – Route 433 will start and end at West Bedford Park and Ride (120 Innovation Drive). There will be no service on Hammonds Plains Road, from Gary Martin Drive to Tantallon Park and Ride.
Route 83/183 – Route 83/183 will end on Crossfield Ridge. They will then turn right on Sackville Drive and right onto Melham Drive. Routes 83/183 will hold on Melham Drive before departing heading back to Sackville Terminal (7 Walker Avenue).
Solid Waste
Curbside collection will continue as planned today. Residents are reminded that collection can begin as early as 7 a.m.
The municipality’s Curbside Giveaway Week, planned for Saturday, June 3 and Sunday, June 4, has been cancelled. The next Curbside Giveaway Weekend will be held on the weekend of Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, October 15.
Parks & Recreation
The Bedford-Hammonds Plains Community Centre, at 202 Innovation Drive, will be closed today. The LeBrun Recreation Centre will be re-opening today for regularly scheduled programs and rentals.
The Lakeside Community Centre is offering equipment loans (mostly sports equipment) from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. There will also be drop times available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with toys, art, games and dinosaurs for the children. Parents and young children are welcome to come and play.
The HRM Rec Van will be visiting the following locations each day, beginning today until Sunday, June 4:
- Hubbards Recreation Centre (1492 St. Margarets Bay Road, Lakeside): 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Blackpoint Fire Hall (8579 St. Margarets Bay Road, Black Point): 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
- Kevin Cox Field in Timberlea: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cybersecurity
Halifax Regional Police are warning residents of a potential scam related to emergency evacuation orders and remind people to monitor official government channels for direction on emergency evacuation situations and fire updates. The municipality is aware of ongoing scam texts regarding residents’ pets. Residents are reminded to always verify the source of calls, and to not give personal information to unknown callers.
Donations, volunteering and United Way Halifax Wildfire Recovery Appeal
The outpouring of support has been tremendous; however, the evacuation centre, comfort centres, and fire stations are unable to receive either clothing or food at this time because the focus is on fighting the fire and assisting those who are evacuated.
United Way Halifax has launched the United Way Halifax Wildfire Recovery Appeal to support communities impacted by the wildfires across Nova Scotia as they recover and rebuild. To make a financial contribution to the wildfire recovery appeal, visit unitedwayhalifax.ca and click on the “donate now” button.
Wooded areas of municipal parks closed
In addition to the Province of Nova Scotia restricting travel and activities in wooded areas, the municipality has closed all wooded areas of municipal parks and all municipal trails effective 8 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31. More information can be found on our website.
Given the impacts of fire emergency vehicles moving throughout the Halifax region, the municipality is asking residents to avoid road travel, particularly near the state of local emergency zone. This will help to ensure that residents do not impede the work of first responders.
Please visit: halifax.ca/fire or follow @hfxgov on Twitter for all fire updates.
