Couple expecting baby loses home in Annapolis County wildfire

A young couple who recently moved to the West Dalhousie, N.S., area and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child have tragically lost their home to the devastating Long Lake wildfire. Meghan Yelland and Michael Zeaman had just finished setting up a nursery in their home when they received the heartbreaking news that their house had been destroyed by the out-of-control fire.

The exact number of homes destroyed by the wildfire in Annapolis County is still unknown, but the municipality is in the process of contacting owners who have suffered losses. Yelland and Zeaman, both healthcare workers who relocated from Montreal earlier this year to start a family in their dream home, now face the daunting task of rebuilding everything they have lost.

Despite the overwhelming challenges they now face, Yelland remains determined to stay calm and focused on the future. She believes that with love, support, and family by their side, they can overcome this adversity. The couple has been touched by the outpouring of support from organizations like the Canadian Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and the local community.

However, one of the major obstacles evacuees are currently facing is the lack of temporary housing options in the area. Jonathan Gillis, president of the West Dalhousie Community Hall, has been working tirelessly to help those in need find shelter. With over 1,000 residents evacuated due to the Long Lake fire, the demand for temporary housing is high.

Gillis has been assisting families who are struggling to find accommodations, including a single mother with two children who were forced to sleep in a tent. He is advocating for the introduction of modular homes or bunkhouses to provide much-needed shelter for those who have been displaced by the fire.

As the fire continues to burn and the need for temporary housing grows, the community is rallying together to support those in need. Despite the challenges ahead, Yelland and Zeaman remain hopeful and grateful for the love and support they have received during this difficult time. Their story is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.