West Dalhousie, N.S., wildfires prompt County of Annapolis to declare state of local emergency

An excavator clears a fire break at the edge of a wildfire in West Dalhousie, N.S. (Source: Province of Nova Scotia)

The ongoing wildfires in West Dalhousie, N.S., had prompted the Municipality of the County of Annapolis to declare a state of local emergency.

“This has become a long-standing incident, and our primary concern remains the wellbeing and safety of our residents,” said Warden Diane LeBlanc in a release. “Declaring a state of local emergency allows us to take the necessary steps to protect property and the health, safety, and welfare of the inhabitants of the affected area.”

According to the release, the municipal state of local emergency is in effect for a period of seven days unless renewed or terminated sooner.

During this time, residents are asked to follow all official instructions and directives from emergency officials. The declaration also prohibits the inflation of prices for essential goods and services.

The Municipality says they are continuing to work closely with provincial partners, fire services, Emergency Management Office, and community organizations to coordinate response efforts.

Residents are being urged to monitor official updates from Annapolis Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO) and other official government sources or call 1-833-806-1515 for public information related to the wildfire and evacuation supports.

Long Lake Fire

As of Saturday afternoon, the Long Lake wildfire in West Dalhousie, N.S., has grown from 406 hectares to 807 hectares.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says 44 of its firefighters and 30 local firefighters are battling the fire at Long Lake, which is still out of control Saturday afternoon.

Two contracted helicopters are actively dropping water on the Long Lake wildfire.

Officials believe the Long Lake wildfire was caused by a lightning strike.

“The ground is so dry its going to take some time for the lightning to come up and were worried that Saturday and Sunday are going to be our worse days for this. So we are still very concerned,” said Jim Rudderham, DNR’s director of fleet and forest protection services.

Evacuations

The first round of evacuations happened Thursday morning, for civic addresses #4094 to #5315 on West Dalhousie Road.

Another evacuation order was issued Thursday night for the following residents:

• Dalhousie Road intersection to 484 Morse Road
• West Dalhousie Road #4530 to #6186
• Thorne Road 2648 to 3408
• Medicraft Lane 122, 126, 126 (Unit 2)

In total, 107 homes were evacuated.

In a social media post Saturday afternoon, the Department of Emergency Management said the reception and shelter for Long Lake evacuees has been relocated to the Nova Scotia Community College-Middleton at 295 Commercial Street and will be open 24hrs.

Evacuees who have questions or concerns can call the public information line at 1-833-806-1515.

Air quality statement

An air quality statement is in effect for Annapolis County due to the wildfires, which are 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.

“As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.”

People in the area are encouraged to keep windows and doors closed.

Other Nova Scotia wildfires

There are 14 other wildfires burning in the province.

DNR said in a Saturday afternoon update that the wildfire at Hoyt Lake is now under control and is estimated at about 0.1 hectares.

The wildfire that started in the vicinity of Perch Lake Road in Pictou County Friday evening is also under control and estimated at 0.6 hectares, said DNR in the update.

Officials believe the wildfire in Pictou County was caused by a lightning strike.

Fire and woods ban

Provincewide bans on open fires, fireworks and entering the woods remain in effect as part of the efforts to prevent wildfires.

The fine for violating the bans is $25,000.

-With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Andrea Jerrett and Natalie Lombard

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page