Halifax fire threat downgraded as crews deal with hot spots

The once-raging wildfire in the Halifax area has been reduced to a few hot spots, the city's fire department said Saturday.

Lloyd Currie, executive officer with the Halifax regional fire service, said the flames are out, but fire crews will be watching for any smouldering debris through the weekend.

"The fire is extinguished. That means right now there is no visible flame. The Department of Natural Resources is going back in there with 20 to 30 of their crews to take care of any possible flare-ups and hot spots," Currie said.

Fire investigators are continuing their search for a cause of the fire, which destroyed eight homes, damaged 10 others and promptedabout 1,200 people to flee.

The blaze broke out Thursday in an area between Herring Cove Road and Purcells Cove Road. Crews were able to get it under control on Friday under rainy skies.

Dave Meldrum of the Halifax regional fire service said he expects officials will allow residents to return to the last two dozen evacuated homes in a couple of days.

As for the cause of the fire, investigators are focusing their attention on the area between Roaches Pond and MacIntosh Street.

Police are investigating a suspected case of arson, saying they believe a home was set on fire during the evacuation process.

The home in question was not completely destroyed but the interior was badly burned.