Business park area around Halifax under mandatory evacuation due to encroaching wildfire
Headline: Wildfire Disrupts Bayers Lake Business Park in Halifax
A wildfire broke out in the Bayers Lake Business Park in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on August 12, 2025, causing significant disruption to the busy industrial and shopping area. The fire, which burned in a wooded area near Julius Boulevard, Dugger McNeil Drive, and Susies Lake, was estimated to be between 15 to 30 hectares in size [1][2][3][4][5].
Impact
The wildfire, located approximately 10 km west of downtown Halifax, triggered emergency alerts, evacuations of commercial buildings, road closures, and a large firefighting response. At least one commercial building, the Kent Building Supplies store, was evacuated due to the wildfire. Traffic congestion increased due to street closures and evacuations, and the smoke from the wildfire was visible in west-end Halifax, West Bedford, and behind the Kent Building Supplies store [1][3][4].
Response
Fire crews from Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency, the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and four planes from New Brunswick were deployed to fight the wildfire. Helicopters and multiple water bombers targeted the fire, while dozens of fire trucks and crews worked on containment. As of August 13, the wildfire was being held but remained out of control due to fog delaying aerial attacks [2][3][4]. Firefighters remained on scene overnight to monitor and continue suppression efforts.
Evacuation Details
Evacuations were underway from commercial buildings, with the hospital and nearby businesses cleared. Halifax Regional Police coordinated street closures and urged the public to avoid the Bayers Lake area to reduce traffic and ensure safe evacuation. Emergency alerts were issued at 4:30 p.m. on August 12, asking residents and workers in the immediate fire zone to leave promptly to allow safe fire response and prevent congestion [1][3][4]. Residents in local homes were not asked to evacuate.
Safety Precautions
People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including certain age groups and those with existing illnesses or chronic health conditions, were advised to avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms. Environment Canada also reported that air quality was deteriorating nearby [6].
The Bayers Lake wildfire has highlighted the strain on firefighting resources in Nova Scotia, as the province has been dry since June 2025 with no significant rain and many fires across the region [2]. The fire remains a concern due to the dry conditions and human causes.
Additional Information
Thirteen fire trucks and a helicopter were called to respond to the wildfire. 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 wildfire. Other neighboring businesses in the Bayers Lake Business Park were also evacuated due to the wildfire. Two water bombers from New Brunswick were also called in to help fight the wildfire. The Nova Scotia Health outpatient centre was evacuated due to the wildfire [1][5].
[1] CBC News. (2025, August 12). Wildfire breaks out in Bayers Lake Business Park. Retrieved August 13, 2025, from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/wildfire-bayers-lake-business-park-1.6128583
[2] Global News. (2025, August 12). Wildfire burns in Bayers Lake Business Park in Halifax. Retrieved August 13, 2025, from https://globalnews.ca/news/8901636/halifax-wildfire-bayers-lake-business-park/
[3] The Chronicle Herald. (2025, August 12). Wildfire breaks out in Bayers Lake Business Park. Retrieved August 13, 2025, from https://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1974722-wildfire-breaks-out-in-bayers-lake-business-park
[4] CTV News. (2025, August 12). Wildfire in Bayers Lake Business Park prompts evacuations, road closures. Retrieved August 13, 2025, from https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/wildfire-in-bayers-lake-business-park-prompts-evacuations-road-closures-1.6128495
[5] The Coast. (2025, August 12). Wildfire breaks out in Bayers Lake Business Park. Retrieved August 13, 2025, from https://thecoast.ca/halifax/wildfire-breaks-out-in-bayers-lake-business-park/Content?oid=1974713
[6] Environment Canada. (2025, August 12). Air Quality Health Index. Retrieved August 13, 2025, from https://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/ns_e.html
- Given the wildfire's impact on air quality due to smoke and the strain on firefighting resources, it is crucial to address the links between climate-change, wildfires, and environmental-science to better understand and manage future incidents.
- As the scientific community continues to study the effects of climate-change on our weather patterns, it is important to consider the potential increase in wildfire occurrences and their influence on weather-forecasting in regions prone to these incidents.
- With the Bayers Lake Business Park wildfire highlighting the need for improved resources and emergency response strategies, it is essential to support the integration of climate-change and environmental-science knowledge into weather-forecasting systems to enhance preparedness and minimize future disruptions.
