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A plane drops a mix of water and fire retardant foam on the fire in Shelburne County (Photo Credit: communications Nova Scotia).

Shelburne wildfire ‘being held,’ Highway 103 still closed

By Kevin Northup Jun 7, 2023 | 6:33 AM

The largest wildfire in Nova Scotia history is ‘being held.’

That means the Barrington Lake fire is unlikely to grow.

It reached nearly 25,000 hectares in size.

In an update last night, the Barrington and Shelburne EMO offices say they’re working on a plan to get those evacuated back to their homes.

Fire Marshalls and RCMP are conducting inspections and investigations.

Evacuees can contact their municipality for an appointment to talk about the status of their property.

Nova Scotia Power has also been working in the area, restoring outages when safe to do so.

All schools in Shelburne County remain closed today, but Clark’s Harbour Elementary, Evelyn Richardson Memorial and Lockeport schools will re-open tomorrow.

The province reported at least 60 homes were damaged or destroyed in the fire.

Highway 103 remains closed:

Highway 103 between Exits 27-30 is still not in operation, as officials work to ensure it is able to re-open safely.

Acting Fire Marshal for Nova Scotia, Jamie Young says they are working on a phased in pan to reopen the highway.

“This will support the gradual and safe opening of the highway, and our on-going investigations on the ground,” said Young.

He says they need time to make sure drivers travelling near the fire at the C&D site just off of the highway can do so safely.

He says more details on the phased in approach are coming.

Yarmouth comfort centre to close Wednesday:

The comfort centre at the Yarmouth Fire Hall will close today.

It was run by the Yarmouth Wesleyan Church and the Yarmouth County Senior Safety program to help those affected by the wildfire in Shelburne County.

Pastor Dave Hockley says it was a fluid situation throughout the week.

“There were nights with one or two staying at the comfort centre, and there were nights with up to nine people. It was important to fill that need,” said Hockley.

The centre still has food and other items available until 6 p.m.

Further needs can be directed to the Sandy Wickens Memorial Arena in Barrington.

Hockley thanks the community for their generosity.

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