More people leave Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley as Long Lake Wildfire Homages Homes

Nova Scotia Wildfire Continues to Grow, Damaging Homes in Annapolis Valley

The Ministry of Emergency Management of the province asked people on Sunday evening along a part of Highway 10 in the West -Dalhousie area to leave their houses.

The Long Lake Fire in Nova Scotia has more than doubled in size over the weekend and has caused significant damage to homes in the Annapolis Valley, since it first started almost two weeks ago.

Provincial officials confirmed on Monday that the wildfire had damaged several houses in the West Dalhousie area near Long Lake. Prime Minister Tim Houston described the situation as devastating, with a loss of houses that has deeply affected the community.

The wildfire, which has been burning since August 13, is now classified as out of control and has grown from 32 square kilometers to over 77 square kilometers over the weekend. Firefighters have been facing challenging conditions due to high winds and dry weather, which have pushed the flames towards populated areas near Long Lake.

Despite some expected rainfall on Monday, officials cautioned that it may not be enough to make a significant impact on the fire. Jim Rudderham from the Provincial Ministry of Natural Resources mentioned that conditions were so severe on Sunday that firefighters had to be withdrawn for their safety.

Efforts to contain the blaze have resumed on Monday, with firefighters working to build new firebreaks and douse the flames with water. Evacuation orders have been issued for residents along Highway 10 in the West -Dalhousie area, as well as parts of Morse Road and Thorne Road. In total, 330 houses have been evacuated in the affected area.

Evacuees are being directed to a reception center at the Nova Scotia Community College in Middleton, where financial assistance is being provided based on the number of days they are unable to return home. The provincial government is offering support ranging from $500 per adult and $200 per child for four to seven days of displacement, up to a maximum of $3,000 per adult and $1,750 per child for longer periods.

Meanwhile, in Newfoundland and Labrador, a wildfire in Kingston has been downgraded in intensity, but is still considered out of control. Firefighters from multiple provinces are working together to contain the blaze. In New Brunswick, restrictions on access to Kroonland have been lifted, but a fire ban remains in place due to 18 active forest fires, including three that are out of control.

On Prince Edward Island, a fire ban for activities like campfires has been extended until September 8 or until further notice.