A helicopter drops water on a hot spot at a wildfire in Tantallon, N.S. in this Thursday, June 1, 2023 handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Communications Nova Scotia *MANDATORY CREDIT*
Four out-of-control wildfires continue to burn throughout Nova Scotia, including the largest wildfire ever recorded in provincial history.
Despite the best efforts of firefighters, the Barrington Lake fire in Shelburne County now covers more than 200 square kilometres.
Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton says six more water bombers are flying in from the United States on Friday and over the weekend, and an unspecified number of firefighters from the U.S. and Costa Rica are on their way to help battle the blaze.
Fire officials say a fast-moving wildfire burning in suburban Halifax since Sunday is 50 per cent contained, but add that while it has not grown since Wednesday, it remains out of control.
Halifax Mayor Mike Savage says at least two people in the city have been fined for violating a provincewide burn ban after one was caught lighting leaves on fire with a propane torch and another decided to have a bonfire.
Ottawa announced Thursday it is establishing a donation matching program with Nova Scotia and the Canadian Red Cross to support those who have been affected by wildfires in the province.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2023.
