Evacuation Order Rescinded for Mooseland Road Wildfire in Nova Scotia
The Halifax Regional Municipality has lifted the mandatory evacuation order for residents along Mooseland Road following a wildfire that initially grew to an estimated 1,700 hectares. By July 19, the fire was considered held at approximately 1,447 hectares, allowing residents to return home via specific routes while safety barricades remain in place.
A wildfire on Mooseland Road in Nova Scotia prompted significant emergency response efforts over several days, culminating in the rescinding of a mandatory evacuation order on July 19. The Province of Nova Scotia’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE) responded to the active fire, which first triggered evacuation protocols on July 16.
On July 16, HRFE issued a mandatory evacuation order for the area stretching from 4315 Mooseland Road to Highway 7. At that time, the fire was estimated to cover 300 hectares. The order affected an estimated 100 to 150 people. Two evacuation centres were activated by the Canadian Red Cross: Musquodoboit Rural High School and Marine Drive Academy.
By July 17, the situation escalated as the fire grew to an estimated 1,700 hectares and remained out of control. Registration numbers with the Canadian Red Cross increased throughout the day; by 5:30 p.m., 21 households comprising 40 people had registered. As of July 18 at 5 p.m., this number rose to 24 households and 44 people.
Authorities revised their estimates on July 18, advising that while the fire was still out of control, more accurate mapping placed its size at approximately 1,386 hectares. By July 19, the DNR estimated the final size at 1,447 hectares and declared the fire held. Based on this recommendation, the mandatory evacuation order was rescinded effective immediately.
Residents are now permitted to return home, though specific re-entry routes must be followed due to ongoing safety concerns. A barricade remains in place between 2887 Mooseland Road and 2124 Mooseland Road. Residents north of the fire near 2887 Mooseland Road must re-enter via Highway 224 (Middle Musquodoboit end), while those south of the fire near 2124 Mooseland Road must use Highway 7 (Sheet Harbour end). The two evacuation centres closed on July 19 as residents returned to their homes.