Mandatory Evacuation Order rescinded on Mooseland Road – July 19, 11 a.m.
Sunday, July 19, 2026 (Halifax, N.S.) – The Province of Nova Scotia’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE) are continuing to respond to an active wildfire on Mooseland Road and surrounding area.
DNR has advised that the fire is now estimated to be 1,447 hectares and is considered being held. This revised estimate is due to more accurate mapping of the fire area.
Rescinding the Mandatory Evacuation Order
Based on a recommendation from DNR, and the location and conditions of the wildfire, the Halifax Regional Municipality is rescinding the Mandatory Evacuation Order issued on Thursday, July 16 effective immediately. It is important to note that while the Mandatory Evacuation Order has been rescinded, there is still a wildfire in the surrounding area and this remains an active scene.
Returning home
For safety reasons, a barricade is in place from 2887 Mooseland Road to 2124 Mooseland Road. There are no homes within this area.
Residents who live north of the fire near 2887 Mooseland Road will need to re-enter via Highway 224 (Middle Musquodoboit end).
Residents who live south of the fire near 2124 Mooseland Road will need to re-enter via Highway 7 (Sheet Harbour end).
There will be no access for drivers through the barricaded area until DNR can safely operate in the area with traffic on the road.
Closing evacuation centres
With residents able to return home, the two evacuation centres (Musquodoboit Rural High School and Marine Drive Academy) have closed. The registration line has also been closed.
Firefighting efforts
DNR and HRFE crews are on scene and will continue firefighting efforts until the fire is contained.
Air quality concerns
Residents are advised to monitor current air quality conditions through Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index for Halifax.
For 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, visit the Government of Canada’s website.
Be prepared
Residents in the surrounding area should be prepared to evacuate if conditions change. Learn more about making an emergency plan and building an emergency kit on our website.
Any additional information will be provided as it becomes available on our webpage and shared via Bluesky at https://bsky.app/profile/hfxgov.bsky.social, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hfxgov and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hfxmoments/.
Residents are reminded to sign up for hfxALERT, the municipality’s mass notification system, to receive urgent and non-urgent public alerts by phone, email or text.
This is expected to be the last Public Service Announcement for this wildfire event, barring significant changes.
- **** Via DNR UPDATE: The Mooseland Road fire is now being held. The fire saw minimal growth yesterday and is now estimated at 1447 hectares. Ground crews will continue fire suppression efforts throughout the day. Heavy Equipment is also onsite. Aircraft are available but are not anticipated to be needed today. Mooseland Road remains closed beginning at the intersection of Highway 7 and Mooseland Road. Please continue to avoid the area and stay clear of emergency crews. For the latest information, visit: https://emergencyinfo.novascotia.ca/mooseland-road-wildfire
