Shelburne wildfire evacuation rescinded, highway reopened
Nova Scotia has lifted its mandatory evacuation order for Shelburne County, in the area where the largest recorded wildfire in provincial history has been burning for about two weeks.
In a statement Friday, the province said the portion of Highway 103 that has been restricted is now open to all traffic, and residents in the area can return to their homes.
It was good news for the Miller family, who returned home for the first time in two weeks. A quick look behind their Clyde River, N.S., home shows how close the fire came to their home -- no more than 20 metres away.
“We know that all these homes along Clyde, they were saved by the local department, DNR. They did a fantastic job,” says Donnie Miller.
The Millers said they feel fortunate because they know others are returning to find something much different.
“We know there are many lost and we feel so bad for those people but very grateful for our home and we welcome anyone that doesn’t have a home, once we get back to ours we would welcome them to come and stay,” says Claudia Miller.
The fire near Barrington Lake, which covers 23,525 hectares of land, is being held — which means the fire is not moving, but remains out of control.
The blaze that forced more than 6,000 people from their homes destroyed 150 structures, including 60 houses and cottages.
The Lion’s Club in Barrington has been open for almost two weeks providing clothing, necessities, and meals to those who needed them.
President Tania Nickerson said even though evacuation orders have been lifted, volunteers will still be there for support.
“A lot of it was people coming in, a little bit of comfort, a shoulder to cry on, gather their thoughts,” says Nickerson.
Public Works Minister Kim Masland thanked emergency workers, heavy equipment operators and other crew for making it possible to allow residents to return to the area.
“I also want to thank local residents for their patience and understanding during this tremendously difficult time,” Masland said in a statement Friday.
The province is warning residents that because fire conditions are constantly changing, the highway may be closed again if need be.
Because the wildfire destroyed Geddes Bridge on Highway 309, the province is reminding drivers that access to Port Clyde Road south of the bridge is only available by taking Shore Road or Port Latour Road.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Still so much love between us,' Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Trump's lawyers grill ex-tabloid publisher as 1st week of hush money trial testimony nears a close
After prosecutors' lead witness painted a tawdry portrait of “catch-and-kill” tabloid schemes, defence lawyers in Donald Trump's criminal trial on Friday sought to dig into an account of the former publisher of the National Enquirer and his efforts to protect Trump from negative stories during the 2016 election.