Watch: Dashcam video shows wildfire burning out of control in Canada

Over 16,000 people in Canada's eastern province of Nova Scotia were forced to evacuate their homes on Monday (May 29) as one of hundreds of wildfires raging across the country threatened the city of Halifax. A dashcam video showed a family in Nova Scotia escaping the wildfire with flames and smoke on either side of the highway. The video, which was tweeted by the news agency Reuters early Monday, showed embers and red smoke filling the air.

Due to low visibility, the car was about to collide with the vehicle in front. The driver applied brakes immediately when the rear headlights of the car were visible.

Halifax declares state of emergency

Halifax declared a state of emergency late Sunday with the municipality saying it would be effective for seven days unless lifted or extended. The Nova Scotia Power had temporarily disconnected power in affected areas.

And telecommunication firms Rogers and Bell Canada's Bell Aliant tweeted that some customers in communities evacuated due to wildfires may experience services disruptions.

Halifax facing 'unprecedented' fire situation: Mayor

Halifax Mayor Mike Savage said on Sunday that the city of 430,000 was facing an unprecedented fire situation. Addressing a press conference, Mayor Savage said, "We have not expanded the (evacuation zone) perimeter since yesterday, which is some hope that perhaps this situation has stabilized. But it is a dangerous situation."

Winds which fanned the flames changed directions on Monday, pushing the Halifax wildfire back in the direction it had come from. Citing officials, AFP reported that significant rain was needed to bring the wildfire in Nova Scotia province under control, and there was no forecast of rain this week.

On Monday, wildfires were burning in eight out of 13 Canadian provinces and territories. A few days back, the Canadian government called for international help to combat the wildfires.

On May 17, Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center was reaching out to the United States, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand. "We are asking them to come and help us."

(With inputs from agencies)

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