Annapolis County Wildfire did not grow at night
Firefighters and Air Units Continue to Battle Natural Fire in Annapolis Valley
Over 100 firefighters and multiple air units are tirelessly working to contain a persistent natural fire in Annapolis Valley. Scott Tingley and Jim Rudderham, officials from Nova Scotia’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR), revealed that the fire has spread to an estimated 3,210 hectares, surpassing the size of the Bedford Basin in Halifax. Fortunately, favorable weather conditions at the beginning of the week have aided in making good progress.
Despite the fire not increasing in size during the latest update, authorities are bracing themselves for challenging days ahead as wind patterns are expected to shift and temperatures remain high. Tingley emphasized the need for continuous efforts in the absence of rain, as the fire still exhibits active flames.
Efforts to protect the West-Dalhousie community have involved clearing dead vegetation and setting up sprinkler barriers around homes to mitigate the fire’s advance. While no reports of house damage have been received, a few trailers and campers have unfortunately been lost.
With a total of 93 DNR firefighters, 22 from Ontario, and 25 local members on the ground, along with air support from four CL-802 Skimmer aircraft and a helicopter, the battle against the fire continues. Assistance from neighboring provinces, such as a rapid response team from New Brunswick, has also been instrumental in containing the fire.
Challenges Faced on the Ground
The dense forests in the affected area, combined with a lack of rainfall and dry vegetation, have created ideal conditions for rapid fire spread. Officials have described the terrain as challenging, with the fire exhibiting extreme behavior by quickly consuming forest fuels and climbing trees.
Last week, the fire demonstrated aggressive behavior, prompting firefighters to engage in active suppression efforts. The fire’s ability to jump roads, as seen with the West Dalhousie Road, further highlights the challenges faced by firefighting crews.
