Here's a timeline of the events of the Spryfield fire on April 30, 2009, from the Department of Natural Resources:

April 30 – Early morning: Halifax firefighters return to the scene near Roaches Pond to monitor fire area. They leave around 11 a.m.

1:35 p.m. Halifax fire services get report of smoke coming from Roaches Pond area.

1:40 p.m. Firefighters respond.

1:41 p.m. DNR advised of fire.

3 p.m. Halifax requests more equipment.

3:02 p.m. DNR advised, expected to call back with ETA.

3:05 p.m. DNR staff Bernie Morrissey and Don Ashley en route and expect to arrive in 15 minutes. They will assess fire before calling in a helicopter.

3:21 p.m. DNR sends helicopter. Crew could see smoke immediately after taking off from Shubie base.

3:22-3:40 p.m. Helicopter crew sees a large forest fire burning at the same spot of the previous fire. Fire is moving toward Purcell’s Cove Road.

4:05 p.m. Fire reaches homes on Aaron’s Way and Fortress Drive. Second DNR helicopter arrives.

4:48 p.m. Third DNR helicopter arrives.

5 p.m. Helicopter pilot spots two fires about 650 metres from existing fire on Leir Ridge. People spotted in an area near the fire. (Fires believed to be arson.)

5:30 p.m. Bird-dog aircraft and ... water bombers from N.B. arrive.

5:34 p.m. Halifax fire services staff reports the fire has jumped Purcell’s Cove Road and is headed to Halifax harbour.

8:45 p.m. DNR aircraft leave for the night.

10:13 p.m. Winds now coming from the southwest and picking up speed.