Annapolis County wildfire could burn for another month: Natural Resources
Crews battling the out-of-control wildfire in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis County may be on the scene for another month before they can finally head home. The fire near Long Lake has grown to 8,278 hectares, doubling in size over the past few days, and it will take a significant amount of resources and logistics to fully extinguish it, according to Jim Rudderham, director of fleet and forest protection for the province’s Natural Resources Department.
Rudderham emphasized that the timeline for crews to depart depends on receiving much-needed rain in the area. He mentioned that the crew members have been working tirelessly since the fire broke out on August 13, and they are in need of rest. An incident management team from Ontario will be taking over from the Nova Scotia crew to manage the firefighting strategy and logistics.
The challenging conditions have been taking a toll on the crews, who have been battling multiple wildfires across the province. Premier Tim Houston stated that the volatile conditions have made it difficult to assess the extent of property damage caused by the fire, with over 1,000 residents forced to evacuate.
Dustin Enslow, deputy warden of the Municipality of the County of Annapolis, assured that those whose homes have been damaged or destroyed have been notified, and further details will be released soon. He emphasized the importance of providing support to those affected by the fire and helping them navigate insurance claims and access financial aid.
The firefighting efforts involve a significant number of resources, including helicopters, planes, and a large team of firefighters and equipment operators. The crews are focusing on containing the fire around Paradise Lake and along the entire perimeter of the wildfire.
Residents affected by the wildfire are urged to register with the Canadian Red Cross to be eligible for financial aid. The municipality is offering assistance to residents in need and is working to ensure that all necessary support is provided during this challenging time.
