Canadian firefighting officials warned on Wednesday that strong winds and low humidity could fuel raging forest fires in Halifax, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes while causing air pollution hundreds of kilometers away in the United States.
David Steeves, an official from the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, said in a press conference that the fire, referred to as the Tantallon fire, in Halifax, eastern Canada, has spread from 49 hectares to 837 hectares (about 2,068 acres) since Tuesday. He added on Wednesday morning, "Today could be very difficult," noting forecasts of strong winds at speeds of 25 kilometers per hour coming from the south and decreased humidity. He further stated, "Today poses a danger to those outside."
The fire, located 30 kilometers east of downtown Halifax, has already forced 18,000 people to evacuate their homes. CBC reported, citing the Halifax regional municipality, that there had been no reports of casualties yet, but about 200 homes and buildings have sustained damage.
