Long Lake Wildfire: Evacuees Return as Crews Maintain Control

More evacuees from the Long Lake wildfire in Nova Scotia will be allowed to return home on Tuesday as firefighting crews continue to manage the blaze effectively. The wildfire, located in West Dalhousie, has been contained at approximately 8,468 hectares since September 8, 2023, after it started on August 13, 2023.

According to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), crews made significant progress in suppressing the fire over the weekend. On Sunday, they advanced by approximately 100 to 150 feet on the eastern side of the fire. Despite the containment efforts, some areas within the fire’s interior continue to burn intensely due to dry weather conditions. To monitor these hotspots, teams are utilizing infrared scanners to identify areas that require immediate attention.

Residents from 17 addresses will be permitted to return home between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Tuesday. Re-entry will be restricted to those who arrive at the checkpoint located at Thorne Road and West Dalhousie Road with valid identification.

County of Annapolis Warden Diane Le Blanc expressed hope for the returning residents, stating, “Today brings a real sense of hope as more of our residents prepare to return home. Our evacuees remain our priority, and we’re here to support them in every way we can.” She also expressed gratitude towards the provincial authorities and the fire crews for their efforts during this challenging time.

Power restoration will begin once residents are back in their homes, but authorities caution motorists to drive carefully as firefighting operations are still ongoing in the area. The DNR’s decision to allow these evacuations was based on assessments of air quality, access to roads, and the fire’s behavior. Currently, around 90 addresses remain under evacuation orders, with the wildfire estimated to have destroyed approximately 20 homes in the region.

Local State of Emergency Remains in Effect

The Municipality of the County of Annapolis has renewed its local state of emergency to bolster firefighting efforts. This emergency order will remain in effect for seven days unless it is further extended or rescinded. Residents who require support related to the wildfire and evacuations can contact 1-833-806-1515 for assistance.

Woods Ban Remains in Place

In response to ongoing dry conditions, a ban on entering woods is still enforced across half of Nova Scotia. Recently, the government lifted the ban for Pictou and Colchester counties, which had been put in place on August 5 due to concerns about fire hazards in forested areas. The ban continues to apply to several other counties, including Halifax and Cape Breton.

In addition, a burn ban that commenced on July 30 remains active throughout Nova Scotia, with violations potentially incurring fines of up to $25,000.

As efforts to combat the wildfire continue and more residents prepare for their return, the focus remains on ensuring safety and support for those affected by this challenging situation.