Long Lake Fire grows with strong wind; Rain expected Monday
Civil Servants Optimistic as Hurricane and Forest Fires Subside
Civil servants are breathing a sigh of relief as the worst consequences of the hurricane and forest fires in the province appear to be over, with the situation being “better than we thought,” according to Jim Rudderham, director of fleet and forest protection at the province.
Unforeseen Challenges
While the region was not directly impacted by the storm, the hurricane’s strong winds exacerbated the Long Fire Complex in the interior of Nova Scotia. Unfortunately, the passing tropical storm did not bring much-needed rain to the area.
Scott Tingley, manager of forest protection, shared that in his two decades of experience, officials had never before had to contend with both a natural fire and a hurricane simultaneously. Despite the unprecedented circumstances, the outcome has been more positive than anticipated.
Current Status
The size of the fire now stands at 3,255 hectares, showing a growth of 45 hectares since Wednesday. While the rate of growth has significantly slowed compared to last week when the fire doubled in size, officials caution that the situation is still considered “out of hand.”
The hurricane winds pushed the fire westward, away from residential and commercial areas, resulting in no new evacuations at present. However, officials remain vigilant as a shift in wind direction could pose new threats, particularly if the fire is pushed north.
Currently, 107 houses remain under evacuation orders as a precautionary measure.
Collaborative Efforts
To combat the blaze, 62 firefighters from Ontario have joined forces with 52 natural resources firefighters, 44 volunteer firefighters, and 43 Department of Natural Resources staff. Additionally, 30 pieces of heavy equipment are being utilized in fire control efforts.
While crews from PEI who assisted in earlier stages of the fire have returned home, the collaborative efforts continue to be a crucial part of the firefighting strategy.
Looking Ahead
As the forecast predicts rain on Monday, there is hope that it will aid in firefighting efforts. While officials are uncertain about the amount of rainfall expected, any precipitation would be beneficial.
Rudderham emphasized the importance of sustained rain to have a significant impact on containing the fire. Even 10 millimeters of rain can bolster the crew’s efforts, but prolonged rainfall is needed to effectively reduce the fire’s size.
Tingley acknowledged the challenges posed by the August fires but expressed confidence in the resilience of the firefighting crews. Their dedication to protecting the community and the province keeps morale high, despite the long days and strenuous conditions.
