Mooseland Road wildfire no longer out-of-control, evacuation order lifted

A wildfire burning on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore since last week is no longer out-of-control and those forced to leave can now return home.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said the Mooseland Road wildfire saw minimal growth on Saturday. It is currently estimated to be 1,447 hectares in size and is now being held.

On Sunday morning, the mandatory evacuation order put in place by Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) was lifted. Residents were forced to leave their homes Thursday night as the wildfire threatened the community.

Those who live between 4315 Mooseland Road to Highway 7 can now return home. Some sections of Mooseland Road remain closed while crews continue fighting the fire, but detours are in place.

“Residents in the surrounding area should be prepared to evacuate if conditions change,” said HRM in a news release Sunday. “There is still a wildfire in the surrounding area and this remains an active scene.”

The two evacuations centres have now closed.

Crews remain on scene

As of Sunday, dozens of firefighters remain on scene, including 35 with DNR and 43 Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency members.

“Ground crews will continue fire suppression efforts throughout the day. Heavy Equipment is also onsite. Aircraft are available but are not anticipated to be needed today,” said an update Sunday from DNR.

The wildfire in the Jacket Lake area was first reported at 7 p.m. Wednesday and rapidly grew over the next few days. Wet weather over the weekend was expected to help with conditions.

During wildfire season, domestic brush burning and campfires are prohibited between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. The fine for not following daily burn restrictions is $25,000.

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