‘Extremely challenging’ Nova Scotia wildfire spreads to 240 hectares

HALIFAX – An out-of-control Nova Scotia wildfire grew about 100 hectares Monday evening to roughly 240 hectares, the province's Natural Resources department said Tuesday as crews from several provinces worked to contain the stubborn blaze.

Department spokesman Jim Rudderham said crews had to be removed from the Seven Mile Lake area late Monday afternoon for their safety as water bombers kept dousing the blaze.

"It's been extremely challenging for our crews," said Rudderham in a phone interview, adding that there was no threat to communities "yet."

Rudderham said crews were hitting the blaze hard Tuesday morning ahead of another dry, sunny afternoon to hopefully prevent it from growing.

He said there were 32 natural resources staff on scene, as well as 17 volunteer firefighters, four Parks Canada staff, tanker trucks and other heavy equipment, an air tanker from Newfoundland, three air tankers from New Brunswick and two helicopters.

Two more water bombers from Quebec were also expected to arrive Tuesday, he said.

The province has restricted activity within forests such as hiking, camping and fishing in a bid to keep more bone-dry woods from going up in flames.

The department says other smaller fires that were burning in Maitland Bridge, Greenfield, Collingwood and Perch Lake have all been contained.

Environment Canada is calling for showers and periods of rain Thursday evening through Monday. Rudderham said officials have been closely watching the weather and hope the forecast for later this week remains unchanged.