Nova Scotia officials declare emergency over wildfires

Rare and “very aggressive” spring wildfires in the province of Nova Scotia destroyed many buildings and forced thousands from their homes, prompting officials to declare a local state of emergency.

Last weekend, residents of the Maritime province posted videos of thick smoke encroaching over Halifax as a nearby blaze rapidly swept through a suburb.

On Monday, the Halifax fire department said the blaze in the community of Tantallon was “ongoing and still not under control” and 14,000 people had been asked to leave their homes.

Late last Sunday night, Halifax city declared a state of emergency set to last for at least a week.