Officials say the Lake George wildfire in Kings County, N.S., is likely “human-caused.” An evacuation alert was issued for more of Kings County, N.S., on Tuesday morning as the Lake George wildfire is still out of control. Nova Scotia Emergency Management (EMO) issued the alert shortly after 8 a.m. advising residents on the southwest end of Aylesford Lake, which includes Birch Lane, Spruce Drive, and Blue Lane, to be prepared to evacuate on short notice. Should residents need to evacuate, an evacuation order will be issued according to the EMO. According to the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the fire was estimated to have grown to 300 hectares. The province says 23 DNR and 20 local firefighters were onsite at first light. Four Northwest Territory planes, one DNR and two contracted helicopters are dropping water on the fire, and four Quebec planes are expected later in the morning. Helicopters are also flying over scene to get a better gauge on size. READ PREVIOUS: Evacuation order issued in Nova Scotia’s Kings County due to wildfire 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 underway for Annapolis County Burning is not permitted in all of Nova Scotia Tuesday due to the dry conditions. A burn ban is in effect for Annapolis County meaning no open fires are allowed in the county. The fine for violating the burn ban is $25,000. Evacuation instructions In the alert Tuesday morning, EMO told residents they should be ready to leave if conditions worsen. EMO says residents should be ready to take their pets, important documents, and enough medication, food and emergency supplies. Residents are also advised to monitor local updates and, if they feel unsafe, leave the area immediately. Residents under evacuation EMO extended the evacuation area for residents at around 10:15 p.m. Monday, to include the northwestern side of Aylesford Lake. A 24/7 shelter was set up for evacuees of the Lake George Wildfire at the Louis Millett Community Complex at 9489 Commercial St. in New Minas. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
