Nova Scotia Wildfire Recovery Continues in Shelburne County
Residents and forestry teams work together to restore burned land and homes after June’s destructive fires.
June 19, 2025 at 08:09 | By Noah Clarke, Prairie Signal
Two months after the largest wildfire in Nova Scotia’s history swept through Shelburne County, recovery efforts remain in full swing. Residents are returning to assess damage, clean up debris, and begin the slow process of rebuilding what was lost in the June inferno that scorched more than 25,000 hectares of forest and farmland.
The provincial government has pledged over $18 million in relief funding, a combination of emergency grants, infrastructure repair, and long-term ecological restoration. Premier Gavin Marks toured affected areas earlier this month, meeting with local families and municipal officials to discuss additional support and timeline concerns.
Some communities, like Clyde River and Jordan Falls, sustained heavy damage to private homes and roadways. Others were spared direct impact but remain on alert due to residual hot spots and unpredictable weather patterns that could spark flare-ups. Fire crews continue to monitor smoldering zones around the clock.
Environment Nova Scotia is conducting aerial thermal imaging to track underground heat sources that pose re-ignition risks. At least three such flare-ups have already occurred since mid-July, prompting quick action from local volunteer fire departments and provincial rapid-response teams.
The Department of Natural Resources has begun reseeding scorched areas with native grasses to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. Forestry crews are working alongside local contractors to remove charred trees and restore firebreaks, especially near critical power infrastructure and residential zones.
Local businesses have been hit hard. In Shelburne proper, several family-run tourism lodges report a 70% drop in summer bookings. The nearby Sandy Point Lighthouse park, usually packed this time of year, remains partially closed due to trail damage and air quality concerns.
In response, the provincial tourism agency has launched a “Back to the Barrens” campaign to encourage responsible visits and economic support in the region. The campaign highlights safe routes, local events, and businesses that are open and eager for visitors despite the disruption.
Residents have also come together in remarkable ways. Community halls in Barrington and Lockeport have been repurposed into temporary aid hubs, providing supplies, meals, and counselling services. Donations have poured in from across the province, with volunteers logging over 2,500 hours to date.
One local resident, 72-year-old George Landry, returned to find his property destroyed but his spirit intact. 'We lost everything but we’re not alone,' he said. 'It’s amazing to see how people show up for each other in times like this.'
The Canadian Red Cross continues to provide shelter and financial assistance for those displaced by the fires. As of last week, over 80 households remained in temporary accommodations arranged through partnerships with local hotels and churches.
Provincial officials caution that full ecological recovery could take years. Experts predict that some affected forest areas may not fully regenerate without significant human intervention due to soil degradation and invasive species pressures.
Despite the challenges, there is a sense of cautious optimism. 'Recovery is never quick, but it is possible,' said disaster recovery coordinator Emily Roache. 'We’re rebuilding smarter and stronger, with more awareness of the climate risks we now face.'