The Long Lake wildfire in Annapolis County, Nova Scotia, has escalated dramatically in recent days, prompting multiple evacuation orders as strong winds and high temperatures compound the situation. As of late Sunday, authorities have expanded the evacuation zones twice, affecting residents around Highway 10, Trout Lake, Zwicker Lake, and other local roads.
### Current Evacuation Status
On Sunday afternoon, officials issued an emergency alert expanding the evacuation area to include a significant swath of land. Key areas now under evacuation orders include:
– Highway 10 around Trout, Zwicker, and East lakes.
– Old Liverpool Road, Che-Boag-A-Nish Road, and West Dalhousie Road in Albany Cross.
In total, more than 100 homes have been evacuated, impacting roughly 215 individuals. Residents are being directed to the emergency reception center at the Bridgetown fire hall for assistance.
### Fire Growth and Conditions
The Long Lake wildfire is currently described as out of control, with the fire spreading across several roads, including West Dalhousie Road and Thorne Road. The size of the wildfire is estimated at approximately 3,255 hectares, equivalent to over 32 square kilometers, though visibility issues due to smoke have limited accurate assessments of its expanse.
Jim Rudderham, director of fleet and forest protection with Natural Resources, emphasized the adverse weather conditions facing firefighting efforts: “Everything in fire behavior you don’t want happening is happening today.” He pointed to high winds, temperatures, and low humidity as critical threats to containment efforts.
### Emergency Response Measures
In response to the growing threat, the department is implementing strategic measures, such as setting up sprinklers around vulnerable homes and structures to mitigate the impacts of the fire. Furthermore, the wildfire command post was moved to Bridgetown as a precautionary measure.
Electrical utility Nova Scotia Power has also announced that power may be temporarily shut off in affected areas to enable first responders to operate safely.
### Looking Ahead: Weather and Fire Management
Meteorologists from Environment Canada predict gusts of wind reaching up to 40 km/h in the West Dalhousie area. An air quality warning has been issued for Annapolis County, with residents advised that smoke from the wildfire may significantly reduce air quality in downwind areas.
Rain is in the forecast for Monday, providing some hope for firefighters, but it will likely require a substantial amount of precipitation to make a meaningful difference in combating the wildfire.
### Community Impact
As evacuations continue, the impact on the local community has been profound. Residents are in distress, uncertain about the fate of their homes and with essential services disrupted. Community support and emergency services are actively engaging to provide necessary resources to those affected, including temporary shelter and emotional support.
Local authorities are also working closely with the Department of Emergency Management to disseminate updates and provide clarity on the evolving situation.
### Conclusion
As the Long Lake wildfire situation develops, the combination of strong winds and high temperatures poses a significant challenge to containment efforts. With multiple evacuation orders in place and ongoing assessments being conducted, residents are urged to stay informed, prioritize safety, and heed all instructions from local authorities.
The outlook remains perilous, but with responsive community engagement and strategic firefighting efforts, there remains hope for control over this challenging situation. The next comprehensive update from Natural Resources is expected Monday morning, providing further clarity on fire conditions and next steps for affected residents.
Source link
