Nova Scotia

Fire in garbage bin damages exterior of Halifax museum

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax is closed this weekend after a fire Friday morning.

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic will be closed until at least Tuesday

There is charring on brick building with caution tape in front. There are also charred boards.
A garbage bin fire cased damage near the entrance of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic on Friday. (Alex Guye/CBC)

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is closed this weekend following a fire Friday morning. 

Halifax fire and police were called to a report of a garbage bin on fire outside the museum on Lower Water Street at 4:40 a.m., according to a statement from Halifax Regional Police. 

Kevin Corkum of Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency said the fire was extinguished quickly but crews remained at the scene for several hours.

He said damage was limited to the museum's exterior. He said smoke had to be ventilated from the museum.

The lone evacuee was Merlin the Macaw, a parrot who lives at the museum on the Halifax waterfront.

Ama Lorenz, a spokesperson for the museum, said Merlin was unharmed and has been moved to another part of the building.

The fire is under investigation. 

The museum will be closed until at least Tuesday.