News release

Residents Reminded to Take Caution With Water, Food

Environment (April 2008 - Feb. 2021)
Agriculture

Residents in the Herring Cove-Spryfield area are advised to take caution with the quality of water, food and air as a result of the fire in the area.

Well water should be checked for cloudiness and unusual odors. Wells damaged during the fire need to be repaired, disinfected, tested and confirmed safe before consuming any of the water. Damage to wells may include melted caps or casings, fuel oil tank spills, or contaminants from fire-fighting operations. If electrical wires leading to wells have been damaged, the well must be inspected by an electrician and licenced pump installer. For more details on well water safety, contact the Bedford office of the Department of Environment at 424-7773, call 1-877-9ENVIRO (1-877-936-8476) or visit www.gov.ns.ca/nse/water/privatewells.asp .

In the case of power outages, homeowners and businesses should follow specific guidelines for refrigerated or frozen foods. All perishable foods, including fresh or frozen, that have reached temperatures above 4C (40F) for more than two hours should be discarded. Foods that have remained frozen or still have ice crystals can be re-frozen. Foods remaining at 4C (40F) or lower can be cooked for immediate consumption. Food service establishments may re-open once power and water services have been restored and all refrigeration units are washed, rinsed and sanitized. Refrigerators must return to 4C (40F) or lower and freezers to -18C (0F) before storing any perishable food. For more detailed information on which foods to save or discard call Department of Agriculture Communications at 902-237-9594 or visit www.gov.ns.ca/agri/foodsafety/factsht/ .

Air quality in the immediate area and the city of Halifax has also been impacted by the fire, although conditions are expected to improve. Air quality is in the moderate risk category and is forecasted to remain at that level for the rest of the day. Air pollutant levels may vary in some areas of HRM. At-risk populations, such as people with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, young children, the elderly, and those active outdoors, or those experiencing symptoms such as coughing or throat irritation, should consider reducing strenuous outdoor activities.