Wildfire in West Dalhousie, N.S., grows Saturday

Aerial view of the Long Lake fire. (Source: Province of Nova Scotia)

A wildfire burning out of control in West Dalhousie, N.S., grew Saturday.

This fire, known as the Long Lake wildfire, started burning Aug. 13. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said it is now estimated to be approximately 3,255 hectares in size, up from 3,210 Friday.

“With the winds that shifted east and then northeast yesterday, that pushed parts of the fire on the west side, so we saw a bit of growth there,” said DNR Forest Protection Manager Scott Tingley during a news conference Saturday.

“That’s the priority now is just mitigating and protecting values at risk that are up along that West Dalhousie Road, including the incident command post that the team is operating out of.”

He said the status of the wildfire will likely remain out of control until crews can see the impacts of the winds shifting over the weekend and the incoming rain Monday.

“Even with that rain, whatever we might get, we need extended rain for multiple days before it has any real good effect on this fire or on the fire ban or on the woods travel restrictions,” said Jim Rudderham, Nova Scotia’s Fleet and Forest Protection Director.

“One day of rain is not going to change everything. It certainly will help, and we’ll take it, but we need extended rain before anything drastic is going to change with the fire situation in this province.”

DNR said there are 52 members of its crew on scene, as well as 42 local firefighters and 62 from Ontario. It said firefighters from Prince Edward Island have now returned home.

It also noted there are six helicopters, six planes and bird dogs, and more than 30 heavy equipment operators on site.

“Crews continue working on dozer guards and soaking areas around the perimeter of the fire zone,” said DNR in an update Saturday morning.

On Saturday morning, DNR said conditions were “looking promising” to continue making progress before the wind picks up Sunday.

DNR officials said Friday crews were working hard to protect the homes, as they anticipate potential wind shifts with post-tropical cyclone Erin.

An evacuation order was issued last Thursday for 107 homes, affecting roughly 215 people. At this point, no homes have been damaged in the fire.

The province said there are currently three active wildfires in the province; two are under control, but not yet extinguished. The Long Lake fire is the only one out of control at this time.

Rudderham said there were also three “fire incidents” Friday.

“Two of which did become wildfires, which were quickly extinguished by the crews,” Rudderham said Saturday.

Local state of emergency

On Friday, the Municipality of the County of Annapolis extended its local state of emergency.

“This wildfire continues to be a significant challenge for our communities, and our top priority remains the safety and wellbeing of our residents,” said Warden Diane Le Blanc in a statement Friday afternoon.

“Renewing the state of local emergency ensures we have the tools and authority to act quickly to protect people, property, and essential services.”

The local state of emergency was first declared Aug. 16. It will remain in effect for another seven days unless it’s renewed or terminated sooner.

Residents are required to follow all official instructions from emergency officials while the state of emergency is in effect.

Evacuee shelter update

Late Saturday afternoon, Annapolis REMO said the reception centre and shelter at NSCC in Middleton for residents and evacuees impacted by the fire would close at 5 p.m.

The support services will now transition to a comfort centre at the Bridgetown Fire Hall at 31 Bay Road in Bridgetown. The centre will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning Sunday.

Annapolis REMO said the Bridgetown comfort centre will provide light nourishment, charging stations for devices, and Wi-Fi access.

It said overnight accommodations will remain available through the Canadian Red Cross by calling 1-800-222-9597.

Additional supports for evacuees include:

• Salvation Army – Bridgetown: Donation pick-up/distribution and emotional support services
• Showers/Washrooms: Valleyview Provincial Park (960 Hampton Mountain Rd., Hampton), open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Washrooms Only: Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Park, available 24/7

Air quality statement in effect

A special air quality statement remains in effect in Annapolis and Queens counties, advising that smoke from the wildfire is reducing local air quality.

“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,” said Environment Canada.

Residents are encouraged to keep their doors and windows closed and limit time spent outdoors.

-With files from CTV’s Andrea Jerrett

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