Halifax-area wildfire 50% contained, has not grown

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A wildfire that has been burning out on control for more than three days in suburbs outside of Halifax is now 50 per cent contained, but officials warn crews are still dealing with a volatile and dangerous situation with more hot and dry weather on tap for today.

David Steeves of the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources says the fire has not grown, and 50 per cent of the 837-hectare blaze is now contained.

But Steeves stressed during an update with reporters this morning that "we are far from being out of the woods."

CBC meteorologist Tina Simpkin says temperatures are expected to reach 30 C in Halifax.

"This would be a hot summer beach kind of day, but for firefighters, this is going to be a nightmare," said Simpkin. "The fire danger is high today with conditions perfect for spreading wildfires."

On Wednesday night, an emergency alert stated the evacuation order was rescinded for residents of Indigo Shores.

People were allowed to start returning to the neighbourhood at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, but only through Margeson Drive with an ID showing an address for the area.

Residents of Indigo Shores are still on an evacuation notice, which means they would have 30 minutes to go if they need to leave again.

On Wednesday, the province increased the fine for breaking the provincewide burn ban to $25,000. The increased fine does not apply to the ban on entering the woods, including hiking, fishing, camping and off-road vehicle use. The fine for violating that ban is $237.50.

"We need all Nova Scotians to take the wildfire situation as seriously as we are. We are still finding cases of illegal burning, and it has to stop," Minister of Natural Resources Tory Rushton said in a news release.

During a news briefing with reporters on Wednesday, Halifax Mayor Mike Savage reiterated the importance of the provincewide burn ban. He said he was aware of eight calls for open burning on Tuesday.

"Illegal outdoor burning puts lives, properties and the environment at risk. And it really ties up critical fire department resources. You're endangering yourselves, your families, your neighbours if you do that and you're adding unnecessary undue stress to firefighters who have a lot on their hands at the moment," Savage said.

"Think about other people, don't be selfish. Don't be stupid. Think about how it would feel to be personally responsible for the situation that we're seeing unfold right now."