Rain brings much-needed relief to firefighters battling Halifax-area wildfires

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (AP) — Officials in Canada’s Atlantic Coast province Nova Scotia said a wildfire that forced thousands of residents from their homes over the past week is now considered held because of rain. The fire is about 85% contained and official say it unlikely to grow due to a combination of firefighting efforts and long-awaited rain. The blaze that broke out Sunday in the Halifax area raced through a number of subdivisions, consuming about 200 structures — including 151 homes — and forcing the evacuation of more than 16,000 people. Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Deputy Fire Chief Dave Meldrum says rain has brought relief Saturday,