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CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
Man charged following arson incident in Fall River, N.S.
An RCMP vehicle is pictured on July 3, 2025. (CTV Atlantic / Callum Smith) A 29-year-old man from Lyons Brook, N.S., has been charged following an arson incident in Fall River. RCMP along with Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency (HRFE) responded to reports of a fire in the 2900 block of Highway 2 on Aug. 13. Police say a large spool of wire next to a building on the property was on fire. HRFE extinguished the fire. The fire did not spread to nearby structures or the wooded area, said the RCMP in a news release. 'Evidence gathered at the scene revealed the fire was intentionally set as other spools of wire were found with burn damage from an incendiary device,' the release continued. Surveillance video obtained by the RCMP provided an image of a suspect, which the public helped to identify. Nicholas David Kelly, 29, was arrested at a residence in Hedgeville on Monday with assistance from the Pictou County Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit and Pictou County District RCMP. Kelly has been charged with: break and enter and commit mischief setting fire to a substance possession of incendiary material Kelly was held in custody and appeared in Dartmouth provincial court on Tuesday. He will return to court Thursday. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
CTV News
31-07-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
‘We want to do our part': How a Nova Scotia campground is ensuring guests follow the burn ban
There's a fire ban in place across nova scotia due to the dry conditions. It's been hot and dry across Nova Scotia for July, which has prompted the government to implement a provincewide burn ban. This means no campfires, bonfires or brush fires. It's welcome news for Woodhaven RV Park in Hammonds Plains, N.S. 'After experiencing the wildfires in 2023 less than a kilometre away, looking back, it's pretty serious and it was devastating at the time,' said Emily Siepierski with Woodhaven. Camp site A campfire site is pictured at Woodhaven RV Park in Hammonds Plains, N.S., on Thursday, July 31, 2025. (Stephanie Tsicos/CTV Atlantic) 'We want to do our part to keep our beautiful province and campground safe.' Signs have been put up around the park letting guests know of the burn ban, including one on the front door where guests check in. 'We do provide all of our guests with the notice that there is a provincial fire ban on. We do checks every 15 minutes in the afternoon,' said Siepierski. Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency (HRFE) has been closely monitoring conditions. 'It's hard. You can't predict Mother Nature, but right now, we're looking out 10 days and there's no significant rain forecasted,' said HRFE Wildfire Mitigation Program Manager Kara McCurdy. 'Having the ban in place is helpful.' Reducing risks Aside from following the burn ban, McCurdy said there are other ways residents can help reduce the risk of fires. 'Make sure you're watering any plants that are really close to your structures because even dropping a cigarette or any hot material in those types of fuels will quickly ignite and spread to the structures,' she said. 'Refrain from using anything hot on trails and wilderness areas or provincial parks or federal parks, and if residents are outside enjoying activities, that they're really cognizant of anything that might spark.' The province said the ban will remain in place until the end of wildfire season, which is Oct. 15, or until conditions improve. The fine for violating the ban is $25,000. During the provincewide ban, residents are still allowed to use non-woodburning devices, like charcoal and gas barbecues and gas stoves. 'A huge part of camping is roasting marshmallows, singing songs around a campfire, and we want to be able to ensure all of our guests enjoy their stay here, so we do have propane fire pits available for rental and purchase,' said Siepierski. 'Keep those memories alive.' Conditions across the Maritimes Elsewhere in the Maritimes, burning is allowed in both New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island between certain hours. 'There have been some wildfire calls this year that follow previous years' trends,' said a spokesperson with the P.E.I. government in an email to CTV News. 'Residents are always encouraged to use caution whenever they do any outdoor burning to ensure that fires remain under control.' A spokesperson for New Brunswick's Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development said the province 'has been fortunate' not to have any major incidents so far. 'However, our wildland firefighters have been busy deploying to help with wildfires around the country including Newfoundland and out west,' said the spokesperson. Burn restrictions are updated daily at 2 p.m. First at Five: Sparking Concern First at Five: Sparking Concern For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
CTV News
23-06-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Evacuation order lifted in Ostrea Lake, N.S., after wildfire stabilizes
A wildfire burning in Ostrea Lake, N.S., - 60 kilometres east of Halifax - is pictured from the air on June 22, 2025. (Courtesy: Keigan Miller) People in the Ostrea Lake, N.S., area are allowed to return to their homes after a wildfire prompted an evacuation order Sunday afternoon. The Halifax Regional Municipality said residents could return to their homes starting at 12:30 p.m. Monday. Since the evacuation order has been lifted, the evacuation centre at the Eastern Shore Community Centre has closed. 'Residents are recommended to be prepared in case the situation changes,' said HRM in a statement. Officials said the wildfire near Ostrea Lake, N.S., was being held at about 30 hectares Monday morning and did not grow overnight. 'Drones from Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE) conducted an overflight of the fire area this morning,' said HRM in a statement. 'Using thermal imaging they were able to identify minor hot spots with no areas of major concern.' The Department of Natural Resources remains in command of the fire. It said 20 of its firefighters were still on scene Monday morning and a helicopter was ready to assist if needed. The department says rain Sunday night helped crews battle the fire. HRFE and the RCMP will remain in the area to monitor the situation. Highway 7 has reopened to traffic. Meanwhile, people living near the wildfire are advised to close windows and doors and turn off air exchangers until air quality improves. Ostrea Lake Wildfire A wildfire broke out in the area of Ostrea Lake, N.S., Sunday, June 22, 2025. (Source: Facebook/Halifax Professional Fire Fighters) Wildfire started Sunday afternoon The wildfire started Sunday afternoon, prompting the RCMP to evacuate people in the Ostrea Lake area from their homes. A comfort and evacuation centre opened at the Eastern Shore Community Centre in Musquodoboit Harbour, N.S., for people who had to leave the area. Some residents were allowed to return to their homes at 8 p.m. Sunday. 'Extremely challenging conditions' Halifax Professional Fire Fighters said Sunday that the firefighters were facing 'extremely challenging conditions' and had been pulled from the woods for safety reasons at one point. 'The fire conditions are serious, fueled by thick brush, dry vegetation and gusty winds,' said the association in a statement on Facebook at 5:25 p.m. At 6:52 p.m., the association said rain had arrived, fire crews were making strong progress, and the situation had stabilized. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
CTV News
22-06-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Forest fire evacuation underway in Musquodoboit Harbour, N.S.
A wildfire broke out in the area of Ostrea Lake, N.S., Sunday, June 22, 2025. (Source: Facebook/Halifax Professional Fire Fighters) RCMP is assisting the Department of Natural Resources and Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency (HRFE) in response to a forest fire in Musquodoboit Harbour, said a post from RCMP Nova Scotia on social media. Officers are evacuating residents from Ostrea Lake Road, between the 600 block and adjoining roads to Hwy. 7, said the post at 3:05 p.m. Saturday. The Halifax Professional Fire Fighters (HPFF) said the fire covers an estimated 35 hectares and threatens homes, in a social media post at around 3:20 p.m. The fire was first reported at 1:22 p.m. it said in a second post at approximately 3:45 p.m. HPFF said the fire has 'grown rapidly and remains out of control.' HRFE crews are assigned to structure protection only and all firefighters have been ordered out of the woods for safety, said the second post. Current evacuated streets include: Birchwood Lane Lailia Lane Reflection Lane Heselton Drive In an update police said the highway is closed to traffic from Pond Road to Strike Lane and traffic delays should be expected while evacuation efforts continue. Police told people not to enter the area in the post. More to come… For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
