Ottawa approves Nova Scotia's request for federal assistance combating wildfires

Barrington Lake wildfire under control The wildfire in the Barrington lake area of Nova Scotia is now officially under control.

Ottawa has approved a request for federal assistance from Nova Scotia to support the province’s efforts to combat multiple out of control wildfires.

In a letter to the prime minister Wednesday, Premier Tim Houston asked for urgent help from Ottawa and other provinces.

“Nova Scotia is a province in crisis,” read the letter.

On Friday, a news release from the federal government stated Minister of National Defence Anita Anand has authorized the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to provide:

“An Immediate Response Unit, from 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, based out of Gagetown, New Brunswick, will be available to assist with basic firefighting. A CAF Liaison Officer is already integrated into the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre to help assess the situation and assist with planning efforts,” reads the news release.

CAF will assist Nova Scotia for the next three weeks, with the possibility of a one-week extension, according to the news release.

“Our assistance to the province of Nova Scotia, as they fight these unpredictable and devastating fires, is a tangible demonstration of the CAF's dedication to their ongoing readiness to assist civil authorities in times of natural disaster," said Anand.

When it comes to managing the wildfires, Bill Blair, president of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness, said “it’s all hands on deck.”

"We recognize how traumatic and impactful displacement and evacuation can be for people who have had to flee their homes and the great anxiety this can cause. I am very grateful for the work of all of our first responders, firefighters, community volunteers, and the Canadian Red Cross and other local organizations,” said Blair.

The federal government has also committed to providing the following supports:

The government says it is continuing to assess what additional resources can be made available through other federal departments and agencies.

For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated regional page.