Nova Scotia Battling 30 Wild Fires*

CanWest News Service

Saturday, May 12, 2007

SYDNEY, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA - In Nova Scotia, crews were stretched to
the limit this week battling up to 30 fires this week,  including a fire
in Bass River that forced the closure of two schools. Most of the blazes
were contained, and a water bomber brought in from Newfoundland was on
standby Thursday afternoon at Sydney, N.S.

The lack of snowfall this winter has put many parts of Nova Scotia at
high risk of an intense wildfire.

Across the province, 200 forest fires have claimed 470 hectares so far
this year. That number doesn't include grass fires, said a spokeswoman
for the Nova Scotia Natural Resources Department.

Prince Edward Island officials banned outdoor burning this week after
two large fires.

© CanWest News Service 2007