N.S. announces emergency funding to help wildfire evacuees in Annapolis County

A Red Cross sign is pictured outside the Nova Scotia Community College Annapolis Valley Campus in Middleton. (Callum Smith/CTV Atlantic)

The Nova Scotia government has announced new emergency funding to help residents evacuated from their homes because of the wildfires in Annapolis County.

The province says about 330 homes have been evacuated in the West Dalhousie, N.S., area since the Long Lake wildfire first started on Aug. 13. The first evacuation orders were issued on Aug. 14. That order was expanded twice on Sunday as the wildfire more than doubled in size, to an estimated 7,780 hectares.

Officials confirmed Monday that a number of homes have been damaged, though they’re not saying how many at this time.

“Having to leave your home because of wildfire is one of the hardest things a family can face,” said Kim Masland, minister of Emergency Management, in a news release Monday.

“We know this is an incredibly stressful and uncertain time. Please know you are not alone. We are here to stand with you, and this financial support is one way we can help ease the burden while you’re away from your home and your sense of normalcy.”

The province says people who have been displaced from their primary residence will have access to the following financial support, based on the number of days evacuated:

• four to seven days – $500 per adult (18 and older) and $200 per minor
• eight to 14 days – an additional $500 per adult (18 and older) and an additional $200 per minor
• 15 or more days – an additional $250 per week per adult (18 and older) and an additional $200 per minor

Funding will be available until the evacuation order is lifted or until Oct. 15, which is the end of the wildfire season.

The maximum amount of support is $3,000 per adult and $1,750 per minor.

People who had to leave secondary homes, such as cottages and camps, do not qualify for the funding. Recipients must be able to provide proof of residency within the evacuation zone.

The Department of Emergency Management will soon post details on its website. Residents will also be able to apply in person at the Access Nova Scotia centre in Middleton.

Meanwhile, 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.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page