Crews to return to scene of Halifax-area wildfire Thursday morning
Crews are expected to return to the scene of a wildfire in the Tantallon, N.S., area Thursday morning.
Halifax Fire and Emergency, along with the Department of Natural Resources, responded to the Pipeline Road area, near Head of St. Margarets Bay and the south end of Big Indian Lake, Wednesday afternoon.
Halifax Professional Fire Fighters said at the time that the fire was not advancing and ground crews were working to gain access to the area, which was described as remote and heavily-wooded.
A DNR helicopter also conducted water drops on the fire.
At 5:40 p.m., the municipality sent out an alert saying there was 'no threat to residents or structures at this time,' adding efforts were 'holding the fire.'
The fire was estimated to be 0.5 hectares.
Around 9 p.m., DNR said the wildfire was being held. The department said the fire was not growing, but was then estimated to be about 1.2 hectares.
Big Indian Lake wildfire being held. Not growing but new size estimate about 1.2 hectares. DNR and Hfxfire and Emergency will return in morning. Still no homes or other values at risk. Next update tomorrow morning. pic.twitter.com/676zlOgjVp — Natural Resources (@NS_DNR) July 31, 2025
The municipality said most crews left the scene around 8:30 p.m. and DNR staff would monitor conditions overnight.
Provincial and municipal fire crews are expected to return in the morning to assess the scene and resume firefighting efforts, if needed.
DNR says it will provide an update in the morning.
Burn ban
Nova Scotia implemented a provincewide burn ban Wednesday afternoon, citing hot, dry conditions as the reason. The ban applies to all private property and provincial lands.
The ban will remain in place until Oct. 15, which is the end of wildfire season, or until conditions improve.
The fine for violating the ban is $25,000.
The ban applies to open fires such as:
campfires
bonfires
brush fires
fires in chimeneas
any other fire that is not enclosed and uses wood as the fuel
The province says non-woodburning devices like charcoal and gas barbecues and gas stoves are allowed to be used.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Melanie Price.
For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
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