Update (8:00 p.m.): The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) personnel and most of the Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE) will leave the Mooseland wildfire scene at dusk Friday and resume firefighting efforts in the morning, according to the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), adding that some HRFE personnel will remain at the site to monitor overnight conditions.
DNR says the fire remains at approximately 1,700 hectares and is still classified as out of control, although crews made some progress throughout the morning.
Fire officials say at this time around 120–150 residents have been evacuated so far.
Two evacuation centres have been activated. The evacuation centres are operated by the Canadian Red Cross and will be open until further notice.
The addresses of the evacuation centres are:
- Musquodoboit Rural High School, 11980 Highway #224, Middle Musquodoboit, B0N 1X0
- Marine Drive Academy, 479 Church Point Road, Sheet Harbour, B0J 3B0
As of 5:30 p.m. on July 17, 21 households (40 people in total) have registered with the Canadian Red Cross and two people are expected to stay at an evacuation centre overnight.
Crews say hot, dry, and windy conditions are a challenge for firefighting efforts. Lower humidity is expected Saturday before the forecasted rainfall arrives on Sunday.
The city is also warning people about air quality concerns. Residents are advised to monitor current air quality conditions through Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index for Halifax.
More information about how to protect physical and mental health due to the impact of wildfire smoke, including recommendations on participating in outdoor events and activities, can be found on the Government of Canada’s website.
The wildfire burning near Mooseland Road in Halifax County is now estimated at about 1,700 hectares.
In an update at around 4:30 p.m., Friday, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says the fire remains out of control.
1/3 UPDATE (4 p.m.): DNR, Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency are continuing to respond to the fire on Mooseland Road, Halifax Co. The fire is still estimated to be 1700 hectares and is out of control. pic.twitter.com/hbRRKpYNjy
— Natural Resources (@NS_DNR) July 17, 2026
In a press conference Friday, Jim Rudderham, director of fleet and forest protection with DNR, says the size is still only an estimate because crews have not been able to map the fire from the ground with GPS.
He says 25 DNR firefighters are on the line, along with an incident management team, Halifax fire crews and volunteer firefighters.
Aircraft on scene include two DNR helicopters, four air tractors and two CL-415 water bombers from Newfoundland.
Rudderham says there were active flames and heavy smoke Thursday, but the situation looked more encouraging from the air Friday morning.
Officials say about 100 homes and cottages are in the evacuation zone, affecting roughly 100 to 150 people.
Rudderham says no homes are believed to be directly threatened inside the fire perimeter, and the evacuation was more precautionary, especially with power out in the area.
Environment Canada meteorologist Bob Robichaud says Saturday will still be a day to watch, with lower humidity and shifting winds expected.
Rain is forecast for Sunday, with 15 to 30 millimetres possible in the fire area.
DNR is also dealing with other active fires in the province.
A fire in Annapolis County is under control, while two new fires in Digby and Queens counties were reported Friday. Officials say those two are believed to be lightning-caused.
– with files from Natalie Chiasson
