**** HRM Media Release
Municipal fires and impacts update – June 9, 1 p.m.
The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents of the following evacuation area update.
The municipality has started the recovery phase. Residents can continue to expect regular updates summarizing key developments.
Evacuation area update
The municipality has lifted the evacuation order for most of the Phase 3 area on Friday, June 9 at 1 p.m. Additionally, the area of significant impact has changed and some areas that were previously evacuated have also been lifted. Visit the webpage for detailed maps.
As soon as it is safe to do so, Nova Scotia Power will reconnect power to these communities. It is expected that this will take place later today. The expected timeline is approximately two to three hours once homeowners have returned. However, dependent on the level of damage to individual homes, isolated power outages may remain once power has returned to the area. Property owners should contact Nova Scotia Power for further assistance.
Guidance for residents returning to properties in evacuated areas
Homeowners should remain cautious when returning to their property and be aware of any risks such as collapsed driveway culverts, damaged trees and well covers. A cautious approach and inspection of your property is advised.
The municipality has completed inspection of municipal infrastructure. This includes streets, guiderails, streetlights, traffic lights and signage. Impacted municipal infrastructure will be repaired.
Further, residents must follow the provincial guidelines when returning to their homes. More information is also available on the Province of Nova Scotia’s Emergency alerts and information webpage.
The Canadian Red Cross Guide to Wildfire Recovery is another valuable resource for those preparing to return to their communities after an evacuation.
Nova Scotia Power’s Wildfires Response webpage and re-entry factsheet provides information on outage restoration and electrical safety.
The Province of Nova Scotia’s Department of Environment and Climate Change’s contaminated sites webpage also contains information on procedures around contaminated sites.
As per provincial guidelines, residents with wells cannot use their water for drinking, cooking and washing.
Halifax Water has set up water stations where residents can fill their own containers with drinking water. These stations are self-serve, and are available at the following locations:
- 134 Micmac Drive – Micmac Drive Park
- 290 White Hills Run – Madeline Symonds Middle School
- 297 Pockwock Road – White Hills Care Centre
- 711 Pockwock Road – Upper Hammonds Plains Community Centre
Recreational water use
The municipality is also advising residents that any body of water, such as lakes, in the evacuated area have been impacted by the wildfires.
Swimming in natural lakes, rivers, and ponds always comes with risks, especially after a wildfire. If the water is muddy, cloudy, or discolored, avoid swimming. Even if the water is clear, there is still a chance it has been impacted by wildfire.
Ash (and the various chemicals within it) landing on surface water will affect water quality. Areas that have been burned are easily eroded, adding higher than normal volumes of sediment to lakes and rivers. Wildfires can also cause damage to home heating fuel tanks, leading to oil spills.
If you are aware of an oil spill or other source of contamination, please contact Nova Scotia Environment & Climate Change (1-877-936-8476) to report the spill.
Areas of significant impact
The remaining areas of significant impact are expected to open in the coming days. More information on further openings will be announced once it is safe to lift the evacuation orders in those areas.
Please visit halifax.ca/fire or follow @hfxgov on Twitter for all updates.
