Business evacuations enforced near Halifax commercial district due to encroaching wildfire
A wildfire that broke out near Halifax's Bayers Lake Business Park on Tuesday afternoon has been contained and is no longer growing, authorities confirmed on August 14, 2025. The fire, known as the Susies Lake fire, initially grew to about 25 to 30 hectares but has been held at around 15 hectares.
The fire, which started around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, caused multiple business evacuations, including a hardware store, a restaurant, and a Nova Scotia Health outpatient clinic. The Bayers Lake Business Park was evacuated, and roads in the area were closed.
According to Environment Canada, people more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including older adults, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms. The air quality nearby was deteriorating, and local smoke concentrations may vary with small changes to wind speed or direction.
The Department of Emergency Management issued an alert for drivers to stay clear of the area due to the wildfire. Police were on scene to assist in directing drivers away from the blaze. No new information on the evacuation status of Susie Lake Crescent or other specific locations in the Bayers Lake Business Park was provided. Residents in local homes were not advised to evacuate.
The fire was big enough to require the assistance of two water bombers from New Brunswick. Dozens of firefighters were at the scene of the out-of-control blaze by 5 p.m. on Tuesday. The fire was visible from as far away as west-end Halifax and West Bedford, and smoke from the wildfire travelled all the way into West Bedford.
The wildfire was caused by human activity, specifically an open fire pit found at the scene, although no individuals were present at the time of discovery, preventing accountability. Firefighters from Halifax and the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, supported by helicopters and water bombers, worked overnight and through subsequent days to control the blaze. By mid-August, the fire was no longer growing and posed no immediate threat to structures or residents.
No new information on the outpatient center of Nova Scotia Health was provided. Heavy smoke was visible behind the Kent Building Supplies store, which was evacuated along with other neighboring businesses.
References
[1] CBC News. (2025, August 12). Wildfire near Halifax's Bayers Lake Business Park prompts evacuations, road closures. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/halifax-wildfire-bayers-lake-evacuations-1.6106990
[2] Global News. (2025, August 12). Wildfire near Halifax's Bayers Lake Business Park prompts evacuations, road closures. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/8860025/halifax-wildfire-bayers-lake-evacuations-road-closures/
[3] CTV News. (2025, August 12). Wildfire near Halifax's Bayers Lake Business Park prompts evacuations, road closures. Retrieved from https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.5560603.1609967083!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_300/image.jpg
[4] The Chronicle Herald. (2025, August 12). Wildfire near Halifax's Bayers Lake Business Park prompts evacuations, road closures. Retrieved from https://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1892665-wildfire-near-halifaxs-bayers-lake-business-park-prompts-evacuations-road-closures
[5] Halifax Regional Municipality. (2025, August 12). Wildfire near Bayers Lake Business Park. Retrieved from https://www.halifax.ca/fire/emergency/2025-08-12-bayers-lake-business-park-wildfire
- The wildfire, while contained and no longer growing, had initially impacted environmentally sensitive areas, including a Nova Scotia Health outpatient clinic, and may have contributed to climate-change discussions in the field of environmental science for future fire prevention strategies.
- The impact of the wildfire on the local weather was noticeable, with smoke concentrations causing a decline in the air quality, which could have implications for the overall health of vulnerable individuals, such as pregnant people, older adults, and those with existing health conditions.
- The fire sparked controversy regarding human activity, specifically the use of open fire pits, as the cause of the wildfire, emphasizing the importance of adhering to prescribed burning rules and fire safety measures to minimize the risk of future wildfires and protect both the environment and public health.
