Unextinguished blaze sparked Halifax wildfire: DNR

The spring wildfire that destroyed eight homes and sparked a mass evacuation in the Halifax area has been traced to a campfire-sparked blaze that firefighters failed to put out.

The Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources says no charges are expected andits investigation into the late-April fire is concluded.

Officials say the stage was set on April 29,after fire spread froma campfire pit on the west bank of McIntosh Run, north of Roach's Pond in Spryfield.

Halifax regional firefighters extinguished the flames by nightfall, but the woods were still full of smouldering hot spots.

The next morning, a four-person crew was back on the scene to patrol the area and watch for flare-ups.

Dave Meldrum, spokesman for the Halifax regional fire service, said the crewleft the area before noon but planned to return by 2 p.m. At 1:35 p.m., however, a worried neighbour called 911.

"Unfortunately, it appears there was enough wind and low humidity to allow that flare-up to occur," said Meldrum.

The fire spread east toward Purcells Cove Road, forcing about 1,200 to flee the area. By May 1, eight homes were destroyed and 10 others were damaged.

Meldrum said there's no indication that the fire service did anything wrong.

"I have faith in the decisions made by the incident commander on the day. This is an experienced crew, they assessed the situation they had at the time, and they made decisions," said Meldrum.

DNR uncovered two other fires during the investigation both occurring in the evening of April 30 on Lier Ridge, east of J.L. Ilsley High School. Officials believe both were deliberately set.

Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell said investigators weren't able to find enough evidence to charge anyone. But he'sdisappointed no one will be held to account.

"If people are going out in the forest and setting fires that's a serious issue, and you really would like to apprehend those people," said MacDonell.

The Halifax regional fire service is doing its own investigation into the wildfire.