Wildfire near Bayers Lake prompts evacuation of businesses

Halifax fire crews are on the scene for a fire in the woods near the Bayers Lake area that is forcing the evacuation of several businesses.

Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Deputy Chief Dave Meldrum said the fire is in the woods behind Julius Boulevard and Dugger McNeil Drive in Halifax. Police said they are assisting with the evacuation of businesses along Julius Boulevard.

Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre is also being evacuated.

“Firefighters are working to contain this fire,” said Meldrum in an emailed statement to CityNews Halifax. “We request the cooperation of the public to avoid this area as multiple fire trucks and crews are at this scene.”

He says crews from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are also on the scene.

There is an evacuation of a commercial building on Dugger McNeil Drive, DNR said in a post on X.

Police are helping with the response to the fire, with evacuations and street closures underway.

Officers told CityNews that Lacewood Drive and Washmill Lake Drive into Bayers Lake are closed.

Lessening the traffic congestion will help crews respond to the fire and allow those evacuating to leave safely, officials said.

Crews deployed to New Brunswick Tuesday morning are recalled and are en route to the fire, including a helicopter and four planes. The size of the fire is not known yet, the province said.

CityNews Halifax will have more information as it becomes available.