**** HRM Media Release
Municipal fires and impacts update – June 8, 4:30 p.m.
The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents of the following updates to municipal services as well as supports to those impacted by the fires.
The recovery phase continues, and regular updates will continue to be provided by the municipality summarizing key developments.
Updates
Evacuation area update
As previously announced, the municipality will further lift evacuation orders on Friday, June 9.
Well-water testing kits
A reminder that well-water testing kits are available for pick-up from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 8 and Friday, June 9 at the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Centre (711 Pockwock Road, Hammonds Plains).
The drop-off time for completed samples will now be between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Monday, June 12, Tuesday, June 13 and Wednesday, June 14. The drop-off location remains the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Centre (711 Pockwock Road, Hammonds Plains).
Note: Residents who picked up kits on Tuesday, June 6 can drop off completed samples to the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Centre (711 Pockwock Road, Hammonds Plains) on Sunday, June 11 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The updated well-water testing kits information is now available on halifax.ca/fire.
Evacuation area update
On Friday, June 9, the municipality will further lift evacuation orders.
The exact locations and time will be communicated tomorrow via the provincial emergency alert system as well as the established municipal channels – including a public service announcement, social media posts and updates to halifax.ca/fire.
Appropriate traffic controls allowing residents safe access through fire-damaged areas will be completed prior to residents’ return. Residents cannot access this area until the municipality has issued official notice that the evacuation order has been lifted for those specific areas.
After most residents have returned to their properties, Nova Scotia Power will reconnect power to these communities once it is safe to do so.
Propane services have been cut off at the source, and residents will have to contact their propane service provider to reconnect their residence.
It is anticipated that residents located within the area of significant impact will be able to return within the next 10 days, once the installation of temporary surface fencing around destroyed properties has been completed, in accordance with the provincial Fire Safety Act. This will ensure the safe passage to affected properties and will identify other risks to homeowners.
The municipality has contracted Team Rubicon to provide detailed sifting services for those residents with destroyed or damaged properties. At the request of the resident, Team Rubicon will perform a search for items that may be recoverable.
The municipality is in the process of engaging directly with residents whose homes have been significantly damaged or destroyed to set up an initial meeting with Team Rubicon.
Operational update
The fire is under control but has not been completely extinguished.
With a fire of this nature, which involves underground hotpots, it may take some time before it can be declared completely “out”.
Emergency services will be monitoring the area, and residents are asked to stay diligent and report any visible smoke or fire by calling 911.
Burn ban
Residents are reminded there is a zero-tolerance policy in effect for the duration of the outdoor burning ban. Fines will be issued against those who are burning outdoors, which includes penalties up to $25,000. Any person responsible for fire spread can also be required to pay all expenses related to controlling or extinguishing the fire, and all related fire damages.
Illegal outdoor burning puts lives, properties, and the environment at risk. It also ties up critical fire department resources.
In accordance with By-Law P-600, Respecting Municipal Parks, no campfires or open fires are permitted in municipal parks.
Please visit halifax.ca/fire or follow @hfxgov on Twitter for all updates.
