Some residents near an out-of-control wildfire burning in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis County have been told to evacuate their homes.
An alert issued at 10:14 a.m. says people who live on West Dalhousie Road in West Dalhousie between civic addresses 4094 to 5315 should leave immediately. It says staying may result in injury or loss of life.
A social media post from the province’s Natural Resources Department said the fire near Long Lake is estimated at 30 hectares, and 30 firefighters are on scene. Another out-of-control fire burning in the Hoyt Lake is estimated at one hectare, it said.
The department said one of its helicopters and two contracted helicopters are working on both fires.
It said crews are creating “dozer guards” around the West Dalhousie Community Centre and two communication towers. Dozer guards, also known as fireguards, help stop or slow a fire by creating a barrier by using bulldozers to remove trees, shrubs and other fire fuels.
A news release from the Municipality of the County of Annapolis said the Bridgetown Volunteer Fire Department on Bay Road will act as a reception centre for evacuees.
It’s urging people in the evacuation zone to leave.
“Don’t stay behind to help or because you don’t think this will affect you,” the release said. “You are putting the lives of our brave first responders and firefighters at risk when you do this. Precious supplies need to go to our firefighting efforts and support personnel.”
There are a number of wildfires burning in the province.
The department announced Wednesday evening that a 15-hectare wildfire burning in the area of Susies Lake in Halifax, near Bayers Lake Business Park, was being held, meaning it’s not expected to grow. The province confirmed Wednesday afternoon that fire was caused by human activity.
Natural Resources said six small wildfires in the Birchwood Road area of Oxford are all under control. Under control means the fire has received sufficient suppression to ensure no further spread. Crews will stay onsite until they are fully extinguished.
There are also two small wildfires burning near Lake Paul, in Kings County, estimated at 0.9 hectares and 1.9 hectares, according to the province’s wildfire dashboard. The smaller fire is under control while the larger one is being held. Four small fires in Cumberland County are listed on the dashboard as being under control or being held.
Environment Canada said smoke from nearby wildfires is reducing air quality throughout Halifax and Annapolis counties.
The national weather forecaster said people more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.
