DNR expands evacuation due to Lake George wildfire in Kings County, N.S.

The wildfire in Kings County, N.S., is forcing evacuations as it continues to rage out of control.

Nova Scotia’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is expanding the mandatory evacuation due to the Lake George wildfire in Kings County.

Nova Scotia Emergency Management (EMO) issued the alert at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday adding Aylesford Road from (and including) Fox Mountain Campground to Civic 3847 Aylesford Rd., all civics on Spruce Drive, Birch Lane and Blue Lane, and all civics between 5 North River Rd. to 1493 North River Rd. to the evacuation.

Residents are reminded to take pets, important documents, enough medication, food and emergency supplies.

The Lake George wildfire is still considered “out of control,” according to the DNR, and was estimated at 290 hectares as of 6 p.m. Wednesday.

There have been no reports of damage to structures. The EMO and local fire department are building dozer guards and laying wet lines with hoses and pumps.

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.

Resources

• 23 DNR and 20 local firefighters
• four NWT helicopters
• two Newfoundland planes
• two Quebec planes
• one DNR helicopter
• two contracted helicopters
• 18 pieces of heavy equipment

Officials “confident” fire was “human-caused”

In an update with the media on Tuesday, DNR director of fleet and forest protection, Jim Rudderham, said he believed the fire was started by a person, but officers were unable to determine the exact cause.

“Our conservation officers visited the area before activity picked up, but there was not enough evidence to determine the exact cause,” he said.

“It is quite frustrating for us when this happens, but it happens quite often that we can’t hold anyone to account. We are confident it was human-caused.”

Burn ban

A burn ban is in effect in Annapolis County. No open fires are allowed.

The fine for violating the burn ban is $25,000.

Burning is 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.

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.

Residents are urged to keep their doors and windows shut.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Jesse Huot

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