Now that the forest fires are out, it’s time to add up the costs.
Natural Resources Minister Lloyd Hines says while an exact number hasn’t been reached, he estimates the price tag will land between $3 and $3.5 million dollars.
Hines says around 57% of the costs are the water bombers and helicopters used to contain the blaze.
“This is why it’s so important to get the cooperation of Nova Scotians totally. Because these things are very expensive and there is no upper end on what it could cost. We have to get it out.”
At it’s largest, the water bombing fleet included six from New Brunswick, two from Quebec and one from Newfoundland as well as three Nova Scotian helicopters.
“So it was quite an arial attack.” says Hines. “It proved to be effective, but it is expensive to run those vehicles.”
The fires’ causes haven’t been determined but DNR and fire officials continue to investigate.
