Evacuation order lifted at Halifax townhouses after destructive fire

HALIFAX – Residents of 12 townhouses near downtown Halifax have been allowed back into their homes after an evacuation that lasted nearly two weeks.

Fire officials lifted the evacuation order on Saturday morning, however residents tell Global News power had not been restored to the homes as of late afternoon.

READ MORE: Residents near weekend fire out of a home for 2 weeks

The evacuation was prompted by a fire on Sept. 14 that destroyed a two-storey commercial building on Portland Place. Engineers determined a wall at the fire scene was too unstable and was at risk of falling into the row of townhouses.

The wall has since been removed.

Meanwhile, Halifax Regional Police have determined the fire is suspicious and have started an arson investigation.

READ MORE: Fire that destroyed Halifax building is suspicious: police