Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government is ready to help the thousands of Nova Scotians fleeing a wildfire “in any ways we can.”
An estimated 14,000 people have been asked to evacuate as a rapidly spreading fire burns out of control in the Halifax area.
Fire officials said Monday that while no injuries have been reported, “numerous” buildings in the affected suburbs have been damaged or lost.
“We’re going to be there for the people of Nova Scotia as they deal with these terrible wildfires,” Trudeau said ahead of a meeting with Iceland’s President Guðni Jóhannesson Ottawa on Monday.
The prime minister said he plans to speak to Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston and Halifax Mayor Mike Savage later in the day to assure them “the federal government will be there to support in any ways we can, as people are dealing with some pretty terrifying situations.”
“We’ll always be there to try to help make sure that nobody gets hurt in this very, very difficult moment,” he added.
Minister of Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair is expected to give an update on the federal government’s response at 1:50 p.m. ET.
The fire was first reported Sunday afternoon and continues to pose a risk Monday. The wind is blowing from the north, causing the fire to blow back on itself — and there’s no rain in the immediate forecast.
“We have a lot of work to do today, this week, for many days,” said Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Deputy Chief Dave Meldrum during an update.
“It’s going to take some time. These fires don’t simply extinguish today and you’re done. There’s significant work that’s required to come in and dig any hidden fires out, make sure there’s no smouldering fire that’s going to reignite.”
The evacuations cover the communities of Hammonds Plains, Upper Tantallon and Pockwock, about 25 kilometres from Halifax. They’re home to many commuters who work in the city.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
More Stories
What Trudeau’s podcast appearances say about the Liberals’ next ballot box question
ANALYSIS | In videos and podcasts, Poilievre and Trudeau are eager to explain themselves — at length | CBC News
South Africa celebrates 30 years since end of apartheid, but discontent grows – National | Globalnews.ca