High winds, dry conditions: Crews continue battling Long Lake wildfire as remaining evacuees return home

An overview of the Long Lake wildfire near Paradise Lake. (Province of Nova Scotia)

More than a month after the Long Lake wildfire began burning in Annapolis County, all of the remaining evacuees can now return home.

The fire in West Dalhousie, N.S., began on Aug. 13 and forced dozens of people to evacuate their properties and destroyed 20 homes. As of Saturday, it is still being held at an estimated 8,468 hectares (or 84 square kilometres) in size.

On Saturday, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said crews are dealing with high winds and dry conditions. It said crews will work on taking care of hazard trees.

DNR also noted aerial infrared scans are being used to show hot spots, which ground crews are then targeting.

Available resources for Saturday include:

• three helicopters
• four planes and a bird dog
• five pieces of heavy equipment
• five water tankers
• 23 DNR firefighters
• 20 Parks Canada firefighters
• 18 Quebec firefighters
• five P.E.I. firefighters
• support staff

Returning home

On Friday, the province announced everyone could return home Saturday.

DNR said roads in the area remain closed to the general public as it is still an active wildfire zone. Barricades will remain in place, allowing for re-entry of residents only.

“The decision to allow people to go back to their homes is based on an assessment of current fire behaviour, air quality and road access by the Department of Natural Resources. The Department changed the status of the wildfire to being held on September 8. That means the fire is not likely to grow or move as long as conditions do not change,” said the province in a news release Friday.

The province has advised residents to:

• drive with caution as fire crews may still be working in the area
• be aware of air quality advisories and limit exposure if sensitive to smoke
• check the home for damage before re-entering
• residents should remain prepared to evacuate should fire behaviour change

Woods ban lifted

On Thursday, the province lifted the woods ban for all parts of Nova Scotia except Annapolis County. The ban, which was implemented on Aug. 5, restricted people from going into wooded areas over concern with ongoing dry conditions.

The provincewide burn ban, which started on July 30, remains in effect.

The fine for violating either ban is $25,000.

-With files from CTV’s Sean Mott

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page