Atlantic Canada: Wildfire Responses 2023
Latest Reports:
Nova Scotia & Atlantic Canada Fires Update, as of March 31, 2025
Housing Repair and Reconstruction Program
Nova Scotia: Wildfire Response
The Canadian Red Cross continues to support those impacted by the 2023 wildfires in Nova Scotia as they work through their recovery. If you have been contacted by Canadian Red Cross and have questions about support that may be available, you can reach us at 1-800-863-6582, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, AT (excluding weekends and stat holidays).
Personalized Recovery Support
Thanks to the support of donors, as well as matching funds from the Government of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross is offering personalized recovery support to the people most impacted by wildfires in Nova Scotia.
The Canadian Red Cross works with individuals and families to help them navigate their recovery journey, ensuring they are part of the planning and decision-making processes.
Red Cross support may include helping those impacted with planning their return home, understanding insurance and community resources, providing information and referrals, as well as providing financial assistance to access mental health services for those who have experienced major damage to, or the destruction of, their primary home.
If you have been impacted by the Atlantic wildfires and would like to find out more about personalized recovery support, please call 1-800-863-6582 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ADT) to book a private and confidential appointment with a Case Manager. Appointments will be either in-person, over the phone, or virtually.
Housing Repair and Reconstruction Program
The Canadian Red Cross is working with homeowners whose primary residence has sustained major damage or been destroyed as a result of the 2023 Nova Scotia Wildfires through housing repair and reconstruction support.
Our Case Managers can support you with putting together a recovery plan, understanding insurance and community resources, as well as providing referrals and information to help you make decisions and inform next steps in your recovery journey.
Eligible homeowners may be able to receive financial assistance to help with costs related to housing repair and reconstruction, including:
- Professional services (e.g., engineer, financial and/or legal professionals)
- Expenses related to the clean-up of their property and home
- Expenses related to the repair or rebuilding of their home, including mitigation activities
- Expenses related to moving to a new location
- Mental Health and wellbeing support
Assistance is determined on a case-by-case basis and is not intended to duplicate insurance coverage or other assistance programs.
In-person appointments will be held at the following locations:
Halifax Regional Municipality
Redmond’s Plaza, 5181 St. Margarets Bay Road (Bay 2, Middle Entrance), Upper Tantallon, Nova Scotia
Monday to Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm (ADT).
Closed weekends and Stat Holidays.
Barrington
Municipal Building, 2447 NS Trunk 3, Barrington, Nova Scotia, B0W 1E0
July 15th to 17th from 9am - 4pm (AT)
August 12th to 14th from 9am – 4pm (AT)
September 16th to 18th from 9am – 4pm (AT)
How to access help in times of crisis
If you experience reactions that make it difficult to function normally over a long period of time, seek help. One option is to contact your local health facility, or a local crisis support line. For immediate assistance anywhere in Canada, call Talk Suicide Canada to connect to a crisis responder at 1-833-456-4566.
National Support Resources
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Canadian Mental Health Association: For links to support and resources in your area.
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First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310
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Kids Help Phone - 24-hour bilingual and anonymous phone counselling, online counselling and referral service for children and youth.
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Bell Let's Talk - List of organizations with helpful resources.