20 Homes Destroyed in Annapolis County Wildfire, Estimated at 8,234 Hectares

The devastating Annapolis County wildfire in Nova Scotia has left a trail of destruction, with 20 homes confirmed to have been destroyed over the weekend. The fire, which is still out of control, has spread across an estimated 8,234 hectares, equivalent to more than 82 square kilometres.

Homes Destroyed

The residences were destroyed on West Dalhousie and Thorne roads, with not all of them being primary structures. Premier Tim Houston expressed his sympathy for the affected residents, acknowledging the long road to recovery that lies ahead. Despite the loss, Houston emphasized the absence of any fatalities and the efforts made to save as many homes as possible.

Aside from the 20 homes, 11 outbuildings in the area were also lost or damaged. However, officials highlighted the success in saving numerous homes by deploying preventative measures such as sprinklers and removing potential fuel sources ahead of the fire.

Support for Affected Residents

The Municipality of the County of Annapolis is reaching out to affected residents to provide support and assistance. A program is being established to help property owners and evacuees access the necessary resources for recovery.

Deputy Warden Dustin Enslow announced the hiring of a navigator to work with families impacted by the evacuation and damage. The navigator will be available at the Bridgetown Fire Hall to assist individuals in navigating the recovery process.

Continued Assessment

Although the wildfire remains active, efforts to assess the damage to homes, outbuildings, campers, and trailers will continue once it is safe to do so. Property owners, insurance professionals, and other services are currently not permitted in the area due to safety concerns.

As of now, 505 civic addresses have been evacuated, with 267 households and 518 individuals registering with the Canadian Red Cross for assistance. Minister of Emergency Management Kim Masland highlighted the protection of 88 homes by sprinklers, with only three being lost.

Work to evaluate the extent of the damage will persist as the community comes together to support those affected by the wildfire. Despite the challenges ahead, the resilience and unity of the community will undoubtedly help in the recovery process.

Wildfire Origins

The wildfire first ignited on August 13, triggering a series of evacuations and emergency responses. The ongoing efforts to contain the fire and support those impacted reflect the dedication and commitment of emergency crews and local authorities.

As the situation evolves, updates will be provided to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the affected areas. The cooperation and collaboration of all involved parties will be essential in overcoming the aftermath of this devastating wildfire.