UPDATE 8:30 p.m: Wildfire near Bayers Lake 25-30 hectares, says DNR

The wildfire near Bayers Lake in Halifax remains out of control and is about 25-30 hectares in size, according to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

In an update Tuesday evening, DNR says progress is being made.

Twelve DNR firefighters, 30 Halifax Fire and Emergency, (with some staying overnight) and one helicopter dropping water remain on scene.

Planes from New Brunswick returned home but could come back if needed.

A few roads will remain closed overnight.

Police say they include:

• Chain Lake Drive, between the Highway 102 off-ramp and Julius Blvd (inbound lane only)
• Julius Blvd
• Susie Lake Crescent between Julius Blvd and Hobsons Lake Drivr

Firefighters responded around 2:30 p.m. and found the blaze in the woods behind Julius Boulevard and Dugger McNeil Drive.

Large columns of smoke were visible across the city with nearby businesses evacuated such as the Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre and Kent.

The Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre was also evacuated as well as several nearby businesses that closed their doors.

HRM says there are no immediate threats to structures and no other evacuation orders have been sent.

A special air quality alert was issued for Halifax Metro and Halifax County West around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, warning of reduced air quality due to the fire.

Drones prohibited:

An emergency alert was issued by the Halifax Regional Municipality at 6:30 p.m.:

It says operation of a drone within 9.3 kilometres of the fire will impede operations.

You could be subject to jail or a fine, and if unauthorized drones are present, firefighting aircraft must be grounded and crews must suspend operations.

The next update is expected after 9 a.m., Wednesday.

–with files from Kevin Northup and Caitlin Snow