News release

Spryfield-area Fire Investigation Completed

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

The Department of Natural Resources has completed its investigation into April wildfires in the Spryfield area, Halifax Regional Municipality, and no charges are pending.

However, the department did determine the cause of the fires.

The first fire, on April 29, was caused by an unextinguished campfire pit on the west bank on MacIntosh Run, north of Roaches Pond. The fire flared up the next day and, pushed by strong winds, resulted in a blaze that travelled towards Purcells Cove Road. Evidence was also uncovered of two other fires, believed to be cases of arson, during the evening of April 30 on Lier Ridge, east of J.L. Ilsley High School.

"After a thorough investigation we are pleased to have a clear understanding of what caused these fires," said Walter Fanning, director of forest protection services, Department of Natural Resources.

Officials from the Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Service and Halifax Regional Police assisted in the investigation.

"Firefighters battled this blaze in some of the worst fire conditions many of them had ever seen, a combination of low humidity, dry woods and strong winds," said Halifax fire Chief Bill Mosher. "Despite the devastating loss of homes, I am satisfied that our firefighters acted with the courage and dedication that are the hallmarks of any professional fire service."

Anyone with information on these or other forest fires are asked to contact the local Department of Natural Resources office or the Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Service.