West Dalhousie, N.S., wildfire grows to 1101 hectares

Smoke from the Long Lake wildfires complex billows into the air. (Province of Nova Scotia)

A wildfire in West Dalhousie, N.S., has grown from 807 hectares to 1101 hectares.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says two contracted helicopters and four water-skimmer aircraft from the Northwest Territories are helping local firefighters battle the Long Lake fire, which is still out of control Sunday afternoon, along with crews from Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Ontario.

The department says that the wind had shifted on Sunday, meaning the fire is moving toward the West Dalhousie Road area.

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

“The ground is so dry it’s 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.

Federal government providing assistance

In a statement on Sunday, the federal government says will be providing assistance with the active wildfires in the province.

“I have approved a Request for Federal Assistance from the Government of Nova Scotia to provide resources to support wildfire suppression efforts,” said Federal Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski in a statement.

“Public Safety’s Government Operations Centre is working with the Canadian Armed Forces and other partners to deploy all necessary federal resources and ensure Nova Scotia has the support it needs. I continue to remain in close contact with my counterpart in Nova Scotia as the situation evolves.”

County of Annapolis declares state of local emergency

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

“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.

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.

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.

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

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