Local state of emergency extended as wildfire continues to burn in West Dalhousie, N.S.

An update on the wildfires in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick as Hurricane Erin passes through the Maritimes.

The Municipality of the County of Annapolis has extended its local state of emergency as the Long Lake wildfire continues to burn out of control in West Dalhousie, N.S.

“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 on 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.

“Our communities have shown incredible strength and compassion throughout this emergency,” said Le Blanc. “Thank you for your patience, cooperation, and for caring for one another during this difficult time.”

Erin’s impact

There were three wildfires burning in the province Friday, but only the Long Lake wildfire, which started on Aug. 13, is considered out of control. The other two are under control.

DNR says the Long Lake fire has grown slightly, from 3,210 hectares to 3,212 hectares.

Crews continued to put out hot spots and soak hose lines around the fire Friday as they try to limit the spread and protect homes.

The Department of Natural Resources said crews have also completed dozer guards around the northern border of the Long Lake wildfire.

“Work continues on the Long Lake wildfires complex to be as prepared as possible for the strong, shifting winds expected from hurricane Erin starting today and through the weekend,” said DNR in a statement Friday morning.

The fire is close to a number of homes, a community hall and a couple communications towers, but those structures have not been damaged.

DNR officials say crews are working hard to protect the homes, especially as they anticipate potential wind shifts with Erin.

“Today we’re anticipating winds shifting around to the north through the day, pushing the fire this direction away from the community,” said Scott Tingley, DNR’s manager of forest protection, during a media briefing Friday afternoon.

“As the wind shifts around, it’ll change what parts of the fire are most active, so they’re doing work … to mitigate as much possible growth and movement of the fire when the winds do shift back to the south on Sunday.”

DNR says crews will pull back if conditions become dangerous.

“The aircraft we have on this fire are quite capable of flying in wind, but the difference is that sustained wind is what is OK,” said Jim Rudderham, DNR’s director of fleet and forest protection. “The gusts are what can cause them grief, so if they’re coming up out of a lift or going into a drop, the gusts are what can cause them some problems.”

Rudderham said a helicopter is also monitoring the situation and will let crews know if it sees anything of concern.

“If they notice anything out of the ordinary or things are going bad, they’ll certainly let the crews know,” he said. “As long as it’s safe, they’re going to be out there.”

As of Friday afternoon, Hurricane Erin had not made any significant impact on the firefighting efforts.

Bob Robichaud, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, said the storm won’t make landfall in Nova Scotia and will likely only bring rip currents and heavy surf to the coast.

“What we’re seeing across at least central and western parts of the province right now are some kind of gusty northeasterly winds,” said Robichaud during Friday’s briefing. “If it wasn’t the fact that we had a hurricane out there, nobody would really make much note of it.”

Robichaud said another system could bring some much-needed rain to the region on Monday.

“It looks promising that we’ll get some rain. We’re going to have to wait a day or two to find out exactly how much, but some of the models are indicating something that would, amounts that would be helpful,” he said.

Both Rudderham and Robichaud said this is the first time they can recall monitoring a wildfire and a hurricane at the same time.

“I’m not looking forward to having it happen again, but we’ll wait and see what happens,” said Rudderham. “The crews are very professional and they bend to the weather all the time.”

Resources on scene

DNR says the following resources are working on the Long Lake wildfire Friday:

• 52 DNR firefighters
• 42 firefighters from Ontario
• five P.E.I. firefighters
• 45 local volunteer firefighters
• Six contracted helicopters
• Four 802 planes from the Northwest Territories
• Two CL-415s from Manitoba

“As wind picks up from hurricane Erin, some resources may need to stand down,” said DNR in a statement on X early Friday afternoon. “The safety of firefighters, pilots and support staff is our top priority.”

Canadian Forces Base Greenwood is housing the planes and their crews.

Evacuation centre reinstates 24-hour operations

The evacuation centre at the NSCC Annapolis Valley campus in Middleton will operate on a 24-hour basis on Friday. It was

“Operating the Reception Centre 24 hours over the next two days will give evacuees peace of mind and access to support during a time of uncertainty,” said Brian Orde with the Annapolis Regional Emergency Management Organization on Thursday.

“By registering and using the available services, residents help us allocate resources where they are needed most and plan next steps effectively.”

The Municipality of the County of Annapolis says it will reassess the need for 24-hour operations after Friday, based on the number of evacuees using the shelter and the evolving situation.

The evacuation order was issued last Thursday for 107 homes, affecting roughly 215 people.

Air quality statement in effect

An air quality statement remains in effect in Annapolis County, advising that the smoke rom 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.

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