Warm temperatures posing challenges as crews battle Lake George, N.S., wildfire

Warm weather is presenting a challenge for crews as they battle the Lake George, N.S., wildfire.

The Lake George wildfire in Nova Scotia’s Kings County grew to an estimated 288 hectares on Monday, according to fire officials. The fire is still considered out of control.

Ongoing dry and windy conditions are cited as the reason for the fire spreading, Nova Scotia’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) stated in a social media post.

There are no reports of damage to structures.

“The fire is burning deep and today’s high temperature will be a challenge,” the post continues.

Jim Rudderham, fleet and forest protection director with DNR, said the next two days will be challenging if the weather follows the same trend.

“It’s just dry, it’s very dry,” he said. “We have no relief from the weather. With the wind and the heat, it makes it very difficult to battle this fire.”

Resources

• 35 DNR firefighters
• 39 B.C. firefighters
• 23 local firefighters
• Two N.L. planes
• Four N.W.T. planes
• Five contracted helicopters
• 18 pieces of heavy equipment

Evacuation shelter

A 24/7 shelter with overnight accommodations is available for evacuees of the Lake George wildfire at the Louis Millett Community Complex, 9489 Commercial St., New Minas.

All evacuees are asked to register at the emergency reception area inside the shelter or call 902-890-2042 for more information.

The Kings REMO Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC), located at 181 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., will transition to daytime operations. The ECC will now be activated daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and deactivated overnight.

The Kings REMO Public Hotline [phone]) will continue to operate during the ECC activation hours for residents seeking information or assistance related to the Lake George Wildfire impacts.

Responders have also established a command centre.

Command Centre

A command centre for firefighters opened Friday at the Morristown Community Centre in Morristown, N.S.

The command centre is equipped with anything firefighters may need.

“Visine, their eyes get smoky, their back aches because it’s a long day, their hands get sore and they need cream. They have colds so some cough drops,” said Debbie Weihers, Morristown Community Centre president.

Allison Woodworth wanted to show her appreciation to the firefighters by brining by donations.

“It’s a way of saying thank you. When you get to my age, there’s lots of things you can’t do anymore so if you can support anyway, you can then do so,” she said.

Burn and woods ban

The bans on burning and entering the woods are still in effect in Annapolis County.

No open fires are allowed in the area.

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

While the provincewide burn ban has been lifted elsewhere in Nova Scotia, burning is still not permitted between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. in all areas of the province.

Air quality statement

A special air quality statement is in effect for Kings and Annapolis counties.

“Smoke from a wildfire near Lake George may lead to reduced air quality in its vicinity and directly downwind. Smoke conditions may vary locally as wind and fire behaviour changes,” said Environment Canada.

As smoke levels increase, residents are reminded that health risks increase. Environment Canada said to limit time outdoors, consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.

“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,” the statement reads.

Residents are urged to keep their doors and windows shut.

With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Jonathan MacInnis

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