Lake George wildfire in Kings County, N.S., grows slightly, still out of control

The Lake George, N.S., wildfire is now at 250 hectares.

The Lake George wildfire in Kings County, N.S., is still out of control. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says the fire grew slightly on Thursday to an estimated 250 hectares.

There are no reports of damage to structures. Crews are continuing to build fire breaks around the perimeter.

“Fire breaks help but they are not guaranteed to stop the fire. One kind of fire break is dozer guard – a path of bare earth made by a bulldozer and other machines. With no trees to burn on this path, it can help stop the fire from spreading,” DNR explained in a social media post.

Fire breaks are also being made with a wet line, which uses hoses and pumps that draw water from a nearby lake, pond or river, DNR says. This keeps the area around the fire wet to help stop the fire from spreading.

Resources

The following resources are on scene Friday:

• 23 DNR firefighters
• 30 local firefighters
• Four NWT planes
• Two N.L. planes
• five contracted helicopters
• 18 pieces of heavy equipment

Evacuation shelter

A 24/7 shelter with overnight accommodations is available for evacuees of the Lake George wildfire, at the Louis Millett Community Complex, 9489 Commercial St., New Minas.

All evacuees are asked to register at the emergency reception area inside the shelter or call 902-890-2042 for more information.

The Kings REMO Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC), located at 181 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., will transition to daytime operations. The ECC will now be activated daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and deactivated overnight.

The Kings REMO Public Hotline [phone]) will continue to operate during the ECC activation hours for residents seeking information or assistance related to the Lake George Wildfire impacts.

Burn and woods ban

The bans on burning and entering the woods are still in effect in Annapolis County.

No open fires are allowed in the area.

The fine for violating the woods and burn bans is $25,000.

While the provincewide burn ban has been lifted elsewhere in Nova Scotia, burning is still not permitted between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. in all areas of the province.

Air quality statement

A special air quality statement is in effect for Kings County and Lunenburg County.

Wildfire smoke may be reducing local air quality, the statement reads.

“Smoke from a wildfire near Lake George may lead to reduced air quality in its vicinity and directly downwind. Smoke conditions may vary locally as wind and fire behaviour changes,” the statement continues.

As smoke levels increase, residents are reminded that health risks increase. Environment Canada says to limit time outdoors, consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.

“People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms,” the statement reads.

Residents are urged to keep their doors and windows shut.

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