Emergency alerts and information
Last updated: 2 June 2023 at 6:12pm
Nova Scotians are being severely impacted by wildfires in Halifax Regional Municipality and Shelburne, Yarmouth Counties. All wildfires are being investigated. Firefighters and first responders are working to bring the fires under control.
Highlights
Restrictions for travel and activities in woods
Hiking, camping, fishing and the use of vehicles in the woods are not permitted.
Emergency funding
Financial help ($500) is available for evacuated households.
Evacuation orders and centres
Evacuation orders and centres for residents within affected areas.
Alerts
Campsites available (western and central region parks)
Campsites and washrooms are available at some Western and Central Region Provincial Parks. Potable water is available through park taps, and campers can access washroom facilities including showers and flush toilets. Call to inquire about emergency campsite availability.
Halifax Regional Municipality - Starting 31 May 2023, residents affected by wildfire evacuations can camp for free at Porters Lake Provincial Park. Starting 2 June 2023, residents affected by wildfire evacuations can camp for free at Laurie Provincial Park.
Yarmouth and Queens counties - Starting 30 May 2023, residents affected by wildfire evacuations can camp for free at Ellenwood Lake Provincial Park and Thomas Raddall Provincial Park.
Shelburne County - Starting 2 June 2023, residents affected by wildfire evacuations can camp for free at The Islands Provincial Park.
Comfort centres
Find up-to-date information on comfort centres for residents within affected areas at halifax.ca and facebook.com/shelburneemo (information also includes evacuation centres and evacuation orders).
Drones
It's illegal to operate a drone near a wildfire. Drones interfere with the suppression effort and pose a danger to aircraft and first responders. When a drone is spotted, all aircraft fighting the fire must be grounded. This puts lives and communities at great risk. Follow federal regulations and keep drones away from wildfires. Report illegal drone use to police.
Emergency funding
$500 per household in emergency funding is available for people required to evacuate because of the recent fires in Halifax Regional Municipality and Shelburne County (you can register with the Canadian Red Cross online or by calling 1-800-863-6582).
Small Business Wildfire Relief Program – Small businesses who received a mandatory notice to evacuate because of the recent fires in Halifax Regional Municipality and Shelburne County can apply for a one-time $2,500 grant (additional information to come).
Evacuation orders and centres
Find up-to-date information on evacuation orders for residents within affected areas and evacuation centres at halifax.ca and facebook.com/shelburneemo (information also includes comfort centres).
Halifax Regional Municipality parks
All wooded areas of municipal parks and all municipal trails in Halifax Regional Municipality are closed. Non-wooded areas of municipal parks (like greenspaces, playgrounds, sports fields and ball diamonds remain open for use).
Local state of emergency
A local state of emergency is in effect in the Halifax Regional Municipality communities affected by the wildfires.
Off-highway vehicles banned
The use of all off-highway vehicles is banned within the limits of Halifax Regional Municipality while the State of Local Emergency is in effect.
Property insurance claims
If you require the assessment account number or parcel identification number (PID) for your property for insurance claim purposes, that information can be provided to you by Land Programs free of charge. Contact Land Programs with your property address to get your account number or PID.
Phone: 902-424-5200
Toll-free: 1-800-670-4357
TTY at 1-877-404-0867
rglandtitles@novascotia.ca
Province-wide ban on open fires
A province-wide ban on open fires is in effect because of dry conditions. Open fires are not permitted anywhere in the province. The ban applies to fires in provincial parks and private campgrounds. It also applies to backyard campfires, brush burning and fireworks. Learn more: Burn Ban Poster (PDF) | Burn Ban Poster: French (PDF)
Public schools
Due to wildfires and evacuations, some Halifax Regional Centre for Education and Tri-county Regional Centre for Education schools are closed.
Restrictions for travel and activities in the woods
Restrictions in effect - Starting 30 May 2023 at 4pm, hiking, camping, fishing and the use of vehicles in the woods are not permitted. People can still access beaches and provincial and municipal parks, but trail systems are off limits. Camping is only allowed in campgrounds. Restrictions apply to Crown and private land. Forestry, mining and any commercial activity on Crown land, are also restricted.
Road emergency advisories
Visit 511.novascotia.ca/List/Alerts for emergency road closures and updates.
Wildfires and air quality
Special air quality statements have been issued for Nova Scotia. Smoke from the wildfires has reduced visibility and air quality around affected areas.
If you're experiencing smoke from the wildfires, learn about Wildfires and Air Quality Safety (PDF), risks and how to protect yourself.
News releases
Latest news releases and announcements:
Preparing for an emergency
Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. Learn what to do before, during and after an emergency.
In your community
Each municipality has its own emergency response plan and leads the response for emergency events in their area. Check with your municipality or community for emergency updates and support services.
Government closures, cancellations and service changes
Check for closures, cancellations and service changes for up-to-date provincial government office and facility closures.
Mental health resources
Support for mental health and wellbeing is available for children, youth and adults.
Road conditions
Road conditions are posted at 511.novascotia.ca.