‘A crushing feeling’: Homes damaged as Long Lake wildfire in N.S. grows to 7,780 hectares

The Nova Scotia government says “a number of homes” have been damaged by the wildfire in West Dalhousie, which more than doubled over the weekend.

The province says the exact number and extent of the damage has yet to be confirmed, and it is also working to notify families before releasing the numbers.

“This is a crushing feeling. We really can’t imagine what it must feel like, and also, with the added anxiety of not know what’s happening with your home, it’s an awful time,” said Premier Tim Houston during a news conference Monday afternoon.

“You’re going through something that is completely unimaginable, most people’s worst nightmare. I know you’re scared and there’s so much uncertainty because right now you don’t know when you can go home, and you don’t know what will be there.”

The province says people who were evacuated from their houses last week have been informed that some homes have been damaged. The municipality is continuing to contact residents in person to let them know the status of their properties.

The province has also announced emergency funding for people displaced by the wildfires in Annapolis County.

Long Lake fire grows to 7,780 hectares

The Long Lake fire, which was previously estimated at 3,255 hectares, has grown to roughly 7,780 hectares, prompting more evacuations in the area on Sunday.

“The Long Lake fire in Annapolis County took a real turn over the weekend and it’s had a devastating impact,” said Houston during Monday’s news conference. “So many people worked so hard to avoid this outcome.”

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says the fire, which first started on Aug. 13, crossed West Dalhousie Road at several points, crossed Thorne Road, and moved as far as Paradise Lake over the weekend.

Jim Rudderham, DNR’s director of fleet and forest protection, said the fire jumped over the fire breaks crews had put in place, citing strong winds and dry conditions as ongoing issues.

“Despite best efforts, a week of planning, and everything we could do, that fire responded as we thought it would to the weather,” said Rudderham on Monday. “Yesterday’s conditions were so extreme that we couldn’t touch them with any resources. It was just too much.

“Even if you had the biggest water bombers in the world yesterday, when it was at its biggest point, dropping water on that fire, you couldn’t touch it.”

In addition, Houston said five new fires started in the province on Sunday, including a 2.5-hectare fire in Cumberland County that is considered out of control.

“We as a province, we’re totally on edge right now,” said the premier.

While officials say Monday’s rainfall will help a bit, it isn’t enough to make a significant difference.

“We need a good steady rain for days to make a real difference here,” said Rudderham.

Houston says the provincewide bans on open fires and woodland activity will remain in effect until Nova Scotia receives a significant amount of rain.

“Please respect these bans, use your common sense,” said the premier on Monday. “We will get through this, the rain will come. We just need to continue to work hard and be patient.”

Resources

DNR says crews were on scene early Monday morning to clear downed trees from roads, assess changes and impacts, and make a new plan.

Monday’s resources include:

• six helicopters
• six planes, plus bird dogs
• 56 DNR firefighters
• 62 Ontario firefighters
• 54 local firefighters

Officials say crews did manage to save some homes, but couldn’t save others, and firefighters had to relocate on Sunday due to the extreme fire conditions.

“Firefighters, they’re our heroes, they step up time and time again,” said Houston. “You’re doing a lot to support Nova Scotians and we appreciate that. Our communities need you, we appreciate you, and we appreciate the brave work that you’re doing to keep us safe.”

A provincially-owned communications tower in the area is still standing and functioning, officials confirmed Monday, thanks in part to efforts from structural protection crews.

Evacuation order expands

Two more evacuation orders were announced on Sunday as the fire intensified.

The first two evacuation orders were issued on Aug. 14 for residents in the West Dalhousie Road area.

The mandatory evacuation order expanded Sunday afternoon to include more homes on Morse and Thorne roads.

The order expanded again Sunday night to include the following:

• Highway 10 between Crisp Road and West Dalhousie Road
• all streets around Trout, Zwicker and East Lakes in New Albany
• Old Liverpool Road, Che-Boag-A-Nish Road and all of West Dalhousie Road in Albany Cross

The province says about 330 properties have been evacuated as of Monday.

All evacuees are urged to register online or at the evacuation reception centre and shelter at the NSCC campus on Commercial Street in Middleton, N.S.

“Registration ensures we can account for everyone’s safety and determine if you require overnight accommodation,” said the Municipality of the County of Annapolis in a statement.

Residents with questions about the West Dalhousie wildfire or evacuation process can call 1-833-806-1515.

Air quality warning in Annapolis County

Last week’s air quality statement is now an official warning in Annapolis County, where thick clouds of heavy smoke fill the air.

Environment Canada says smoke from the wildfires will “significantly reduce local air quality” in the area.

“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.

“During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status.”

Residents are urged to close their doors and windows and limit time spent outdoors.

Air quality statement in parts of N.B.

Smoke from the Long Lake wildfire is also drifting across the Bay of Fundy and affecting air quality in New Brunswick.

An air quality statement is in effect for the following regions:

• Fundy National Park
• Moncton and southeast New Brunswick
• Saint John and county
• Sussex-Kennebecasis Valley and Kings County

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.

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