Halifax regional council’s budget committee approved the additional hiring of 10 firefighters. Photo by ContributedArticle contentWith the arrival of rain, crews began making progress against a wildfire in Ostrea Lake after supper on Sunday.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“The situation has stabilized, and resources are now being gradually released from the scene,” reads a written statement from Halifax Professional Fire Fighters at 7 p.m.Article contentArticle contentEvacuation orders issued earlier Sunday when the wildfire was growing remained in force.Article contentArticle contentThe following streets remain under evacuation notices: Birchwood Lane, Lailia Lane, Reflection Lake, Sunset Lane and Haselton Drive.Article contentA comfort centre has been opened at the Eastern Shore Community Centre at 67 Park Road in Musquodoboit Harbour for those impacted.Article contentResidents in the area who aren’t being evacuated are encouraged to close their windows and turn off air-exchangers to avoid smoke getting in their homes.Article contentThe fire in Ostrea Lake on the Eastern Shore began early Sunday afternoon. When Constance MacDonald heard about the fire in her the community where her son lives, she rushed off to get bottled water and snacks and drove to Ostrea Lake from her home in Lake Echo.Article contentShe made a post on social media letter people know where to find her and her white van.Article content“You want to help,” said MacDonald.Article contentWith the opening of comfort centres at the Community Centre and the Old School House, she dropped off the supplies and offered her time as a volunteer if it’s needed.Article contentArticle contentThe quickly spreading wildfire on a Sunday afternoon during dry conditions brought to mind for many the Tantallon wildfire of 2023 that burned 969 hectares and 151 homes.Article contentThe early warnings issued as the fire spread were ominous.Article content“Homes are being threatened, evacuations are in place, and firefighting resources are being rapidly deployed,” read a statement released by Halifax Fire at about 3 p.m.Article content“The head of the fire is moving toward Highway 7. Please avoid the area.”Article contentAs of 3:15 p.m. the fire was estimated at 35 hectares in size.Article content“The fire conditions are serious, fueled by thick brush, dry vegetation and gusty winds,” reads a statement from Halifax Professional Firefighters president Brendan Meagher at about 6 p.m.Article content“… We thank the public for their support and ask they continue to avoid the area.”Article contentOnly five to ten millimeters was forecast to fall on Sunday afternoon and there has been no statement that the fire is contained.Article contentOstrea Lake is located near the Head of Jeddore.Article content
Rain helps crews battling out of control Ostrea Lake wildfire
