A wildfire near Halifax that spans over 788 hectares continued to rage out of control Monday, but officials say its growth has been minimized thanks to firefighters and other frontline workers. Meanwhile, Premier Tim Houston announced $500 per household in aid to people who fled the province's two major wildfires.

‘Unprecedented’ describes an unrelenting wildfire and its impacts, says the Municipality of Barrington, which on Monday saw more mandatory evacuations put in place due to the fire that by mid-day was over 6,270 hectares in size and still burning out of control.

Exhausted and emotional, volunteer firefighter Capt. Brett Tetanish spoke to reporters at the command centre set up at the St. Margaret’s Centre for the Upper Tantallon wildfire on Monday morning about battling a historically destructive wildfire.

“It was a good feeling that we were able to save, sorry ... ” said Tetanish, needing a moment as a tear carved a path through the dirt on his face. “ ... To save somebody’s house after so, so much destruction.”  

Waiting for word, wondering if their homes were burned to the foundation or were still standing, was the toughest part for many wildfire evacuees.

“We’re just waiting to go back in. Waiting to see if there’s anything left,” said Gino Martin, a Highland Park resident, parked near a fire station in Tantallon on Monday morning and one of over 14,000 people evacuated Sunday.