Latest news with #DNR
CTV News
8 hours ago
- Climate
- CTV News
N.S. wildfire reignites memories of 2023 blaze for some residents
A wildfire that broke out near Big Indian Lake brought an emotional wave of déjà vu for some residents of Upper Tantallon, a Nova Scotia community devastated by wildfire two years ago. One resident who lost his home in the 2023 blaze says he was shaken when the latest emergency alert landed on his phone. 'I think I just had to tell myself, until you know the worst-case scenario, try not to dwell on what might be,' said Andrew Vey. 'Just focus on being here with the family.' Nova Scotia's Department of Natural Resources (DNR), along with Halifax Fire crews, responded to the wildfire on Wednesday afternoon. A helicopter was used to carry out aerial water drops as the fire spread through dry forest cover. As of Thursday evening, the fire was being held at 0.5 hectares in size and no homes were at risk. 'It's kind of between out of control and under control,' explained Scott Tingley, a natural resource management specialist with the department who focuses on wildfire and forest insect management. 'The fire isn't growing anymore, but the crews want to do a bit more work before they declare it fully contained.' Six DNR staff members remain on scene, continuing suppression efforts with hand tools and water pumps to fully cool the perimeter and dig out hot spots. Tingley said recent fires are burning much deeper in the forest floor than usual – a clear sign of the province's prolonged dry conditions. 'These fires are requiring a significant amount of effort to fully extinguish,' he said. Though the exact cause of the Big Indian Lake fire is still under investigation, Tingley said many recent wildfires may be linked to improperly extinguished campfires or other unauthorized burns. 'In some cases, the fires were started with good intentions,' he said. 'But people don't realize how much effort it takes to truly put them out, especially in dry conditions.' In response, a provincewide burn ban has been issued. It's expected to remain in place until mid-October or until conditions improve. Tingley acknowledged the heightened concern among residents still recovering from the 2023 fire in Upper Tantallon. 'We certainly recognize there's a particular sensitivity given how close this fire was to what happened last year,' he said. 'But we're concerned about any fires being started right now. This is not the time to be taking risks.' For Vey, the alert was a reminder of how quickly things can change and how little time there is to react when they do. He hopes no one else has to relive what his family went through. 'It's been a long road back,' he said. 'We're just glad to be home and hopeful we won't have to go through it again.' Tantallon fire damange Upper Tantallon, N.S., suffered heavy wildfire damage in 2023. (Hafsa Arif/CTV News Atlantic) For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
Newsweek
13 hours ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Alert Issued as Millions Told to Avoid Going Outside
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Millions of people across Wisconsin were urged to avoid going outside on Thursday and Friday morning as air quality levels became "very unhealthy." Why it Matters The Wisconsin DNR has issued a statewide air quality advisory, calling on millions of residents to limit outdoor activity as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to degrade air conditions across the state. Elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) present a public health risk, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, seniors, and those with heart or lung disease. The advisory highlights the continuing impact of severe wildfires beyond state borders, raising concerns about the frequency and health implications of such air quality events in Wisconsin and across the Midwest. A Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) spokesperson told Newsweek that as of Thursday, the DNR has issued PM2.5 air quality alerts for 16 days this year, the most alerts in at least four years. The alert follows a similar alert issued across the entire state of Michigan earlier this week that advised people to monitor themselves for symptoms such as coughing and dizziness. What To Know The Wisconsin DNR advised Wisconsinites on Thursday to remain indoors and reduce outdoor activities due to unhealthy air quality resulting from ongoing smoke drift from Canadian wildfires. Widespread levels of PM2.5—tiny airborne particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs—are expected to reach 'Unhealthy' and occasionally 'Very Unhealthy' categories across Wisconsin throughout Thursday. Poor air quality is seen in Wisconsin. Poor air quality is seen in Wisconsin. Wisconsin DNR The DNR further stated that conditions are likely to improve gradually on Friday, though PM2.5 concentrations may still remain at 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' to 'Unhealthy' levels through the weekend. The air quality advisory, initially set to expire at noon on Thursday, has been extended statewide until noon on Friday, with day-to-day reassessments planned for further updates. The DNR has emphasized precautions for individuals most at risk, including those with underlying health conditions, older adults, and children. Recommendations include shortening and reducing the intensity of outdoor activities, moving events indoors where possible, and minimizing exertion outdoors. The advisory also provides a list of actionable steps to protect the public from wildfire smoke, including staying indoors with doors and windows closed; avoiding activities that can cause indoor air pollution, such as vacuuming and burning candles; installing a high-efficiency air filter in HVAC systems; and using an N95 mask outdoors if prolonged exposure cannot be avoided. What People Are Saying Wisconsin DNR in an air quality alert: "People with heart or lung disease, older adults and children should consider making outdoor activities shorter and less intense and reducing heavy exertion. Consider rescheduling or moving events indoors." The alert added: "Air quality advisories are expected to continue through the summer as wildfires continue to occur. The DNR asks the public to stay vigilant as advisories are issued." What Happens Next Officials will reevaluate conditions daily and issue updated advisories as needed. The agency asked the public to remain vigilant for new announcements and to adopt recommended precautions during extended periods of unhealthy air.
CTV News
18 hours ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Crews to return to scene of Halifax-area wildfire Thursday morning
A waterbombing helicopter is seen carrying water outside of Halifax on May 31, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese 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. — 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
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
8 people hurt following boat explosion in Wisconsin, DNR investigating
PRESCOTT, Wis. (WFRV) – Authorities in western Wisconsin say there were no deaths, but eight people were hurt following a boat explosion on Saturday. According to a release from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, officials are investigating an incident where a boat carrying 11 people exploded on the Mississippi River near the City of Prescott. Officials say the boat's operator attempted to start its engine twice, and on the third attempt, the boat's engine exploded. Sheboygan Police Department investigating hit-and-run after bystander drives victim home The 11 people on board the vessel at the time were ejected from the boat. None of the boat's passengers were killed in the incident, but eight of them needed medical treatment at a nearby hospital. As attempts were made to put out the fire on the exploded boat, the vessel drifted into a second boat and caused some fire damage. All fires were extinguished, and no other information is available as the DNR continues to investigate the incident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
4 days ago
- CBS News
Wisconsin DNR ends search for bear that attacked Barron County woman
An ongoing search for the bear that attacked a northwestern Wisconsin woman earlier this month has now ended. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced its effort to find the bear, as well as its cub, was finished as of Monday morning. According to the agency, neither of the animals has been seen since the July 12 attack near Comstock in Barron County. Police who responded to the home of 69-year-old Karen Frye shot at the animal, but it got away, and responding officers couldn't find it. However, they did find a cub in a tree. The DNR said the attacking bear may have been the cub's mother, but it is unknown why the attack happened. While multiple live traps captured multiple bears, the DNR says they were determined not to be the same animals that were in Frye's yard. Although the DNR will no longer be trapping animals in the area, officials will be monitoring the region for the bear. Frye is out of the hospital, and the DNR says she's recovering and doing well.
