Hurricane Erin could impact wildfire efforts in Nova Scotia: DNR

Four CL-415 planes from Alberta, lent by New Brunswick, complete their fill up at Long Lake to help fight a nearby wildfire. (Government of Nova Scotia)

Air resources from out west are expected to arrive in Nova Scotia Wednesday to help fight the large, week-long wildfire in the West Dalhousie area.

There are three active wildfires in Nova Scotia Wednesday, but two are under control.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says the Long Lake wildfire, which started last Wednesday, is still out of control and estimated at 3,210 hectares.

“There’s an extensive amount of heavy machinery out there and everybody is working diligently, to say the very least,” said Dave Steeves, DNR’s public information officer for the Long Lake wildfire, during a news conference Wednesday afternoon.

Steeves said Wednesday’s weather conditions were favourable, but noted the extremely dry conditions continue to be a significant issue.

“The precipitation that we received a number of days ago was anywhere between 8 to 10 (millimetres),” said Steeves. “The benefit of that moisture is gone and we are back into a serious drying trend.”

Steeves said crews continue to focus much of their efforts in the West Dalhousie Road area, which is close to a number of homes.

“We’re paying attention to that spot and putting a lot of good hard work in there,” he said.

Andrew Mitton, director of regional operations for the Department of Emergency Management, said 61 structures are being protected by sprinklers.

There have still been no reports of damage to homes, but a few campers and trailers have been lost.

There were 52 DNR crew members at Long Lake Wednesday, as well as 22 firefighters from Ontario and 39 local firefighters.

More resources arriving

Four planes from the Northwest Territories and a contracted helicopter are also in the area.

DNR says a group of Canadair CL-415 planes is also coming from Manitoba to help fight the Long Lake fire Wednesday afternoon.

Manitoba’s premier said a Bird Dog aircraft was also on the way.

“Manitoba water bombers are heading to Nova Scotia to fight wildfires. Two CL-415s & a bird dog with an air attack officer make the 8-hr journey today,” Wab Kinew said in a post on X Tuesday.

“Manitobans know wildfire’s toll — now we’re paying it forward, supporting from coast to coast.”

Three helicopters from Saskatchewan and more Ontario firefighters are also expected to arrive Wednesday.

Three CL215T planes from Alberta that are on loan to New Brunswick helped with a “quick strike” Tuesday afternoon.

“Through our mutual aid agreements we’re able to very quickly order up some drops of water when they can free it up, when their fire situation allows,” explained Scott Tingley, manager of forest protection for DNR," during Wednesday’s news conference.

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

Hurricane Erin could impact efforts

Officials say they are keeping a close eye on Hurricane Erin, which is expected to bring strong winds to parts of Nova Scotia over the weekend.

DNR is working closely with meteorologists and fire behaviour analysts to assess the storm and its potential impact on firefighting efforts.

“With the forecasted weather that is possibly on the way, we’re looking at this situation very seriously from every possible angle to put contingency plans in place and ensure the safety of everybody on the ground,” said Steeves.

“There is certainly potential for growth of that fire, given the wind patterns that are going to be coming on the weekend,” said Tingley.

DNR says, if winds pick up to the point where conditions are deemed unsafe, crews will be pulled back as a precaution.

“Firefighter safety is of the utmost importance to all of us here at DNR,” said Steeves. “In the wildland environment the smallest variable can change everything, so we’re really trying to do our very best to plan for every possible scenario.”

Meanwhile, Tingley said this is the first time he can recall monitoring a hurricane while also battling a wildfire.

“It’s rare, and something we certainly hoped we weren’t going to run into, but it’s what were facing,” said Tingley, who noted crews learned about the storm well in advance, which gives them a “huge advantage.”

Evacuation centre hours

The evacuation reception centre and shelter for wildfire evacuees moved over the weekend to the Nova Scotia Community College Annapolis Valley Campus in Middleton.

The centre updated its hours Tuesday and is now operating daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Overnight accommodations are still available 24/7.

State of local emergency

The wildfire prompted the Municipality of the County of Annapolis to declare a state of local emergency on Saturday.

The municipal state of local emergency is in effect for a week, unless renewed or terminated sooner.

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.

Residents are being urged to monitor official updates from the 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.

Air quality statement

An air quality statement remains in effect for Annapolis County due to the wildfire, which is reducing local air quality.

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

With files from CTV News’ Paul Hollingsworth

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page