Municipality says early estimate is 200 homes or structures damaged in N.S. fire

HALIFAX - The Halifax Regional Municipality says preliminary estimates indicate approximately 200 homes or structures have been damaged by a wildfire that’s been burning in suburban Halifax. The municipality released the estimate in a statement last night, saying it was based on initial visual inspections by first responders and that a full assessment of the damage couldn’t yet be confirmed. “Residents are not allowed to return to their homes until they are advised that it is safe to do so by municipal authorities. It said the municipality is developing a plan to support affected residents, but it anticipated the process would take several days, or maybe longer, as fires remain active. Outside the Halifax region, there were seven other wildfires still burning, including the 62-square-kilometre Barrington Lake fire in Shelburne County.