Here is the latest update on the fires In Kings County, the Lake Paul wildfires are showing mixed progress. The smaller 0.9-hectare fire is now under control, but the 1.9-hectare blaze remains out of control. Air support included eight New Brunswick 802 planes dropping fire retardant, and two DNR helicopters continued water drops to help contain the fire.

in Halifax, the Susies Lake wildfire remains out of control, covering roughly 15 hectares. Ground crews from the Department of Natural Resources and Halifax Fire & Emergency are continuing containment efforts, and two contracted helicopters have been redeployed to assist. Residents are urged to stay clear of the area.

Authorities remind everyone to stay alert and avoid affected areas, as crews continue to work through challenging conditions to keep communities safe. 

 

 

Fire crews across Pictou County are responding to multiple reports of smoke early this morning.

Calls began coming in around 4:15 a.m., shortly after lightning moved through the area. Reports have been received from Blue Mountain, Thorburn, Linacy, Stellarton and New Glasgow. Multiple fire departments have been dispatched, and crews are currently investigating the incidents.

 

 

As dry conditions continue and crews battle multiple fires across Nova Scotia, the Province is urging extra caution for industrial and agricultural operations on private land.

Minister of Natural Resources Tory Rushton says safety measures normally required on Crown land should now be followed on private land as well. This includes using heavy machinery only during safer hours, having fire suppression equipment on hand, and keeping a two-hour fire watch after work.

Commercial forestry and mining operations still need travel permits to work on Crown land, with the same precautions in place.

The Province will keep monitoring the situation and update guidance as needed.

 

 

Air Canada is starting to cancel flights today ahead of a possible strike by more than 10,000 flight attendants this weekend. The gradual shutdown is meant to keep things orderly, but about 130,000 passengers a day could be affected.

Passengers with flights between August 15 and 18 can change their travel dates for free or request a refund if flights are canceled. Air Canada says it will try to rebook passengers on other carriers where possible.

The dispute is over pay, working conditions, and compensation for ground work. Negotiations have been going on since March, and federal mediators remain involved, but no agreement has been reached.

 

 

Talks between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers will resume Friday and Monday. The union — representing about 55-thousand workers — recently rejected Canada Post’s offer of a 13-percent wage hike over four years and more part-time positions. An overtime ban remains in effect as negotiations, now stretching over a year and a half, continue with federal mediators.

 

 

Today is Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen, and Nova Scotia’s own Brad Marchand is getting in on the action. 

We originally reported he will be at the Bayers Lake Dairy Queen today, but due to the susies lake wildfire they are relocating his appearance to the Fall River Dairy Queen from 12 to 2 today to support local children’s hospitals through the Children’s Miracle Network.

When you buy a Blizzard at participating DQ locations today, the money stays in the community to help healthcare for children across the province.