Officials say volatile conditions are preventing crews from assessing wildfire damage in Annapolis County, as evacuations and firefighting efforts continue.
Dangerous Conditions Halt Fire Damage Assessments in N.S.
Fire forces evacuations in Annapolis County
Nova Scotia officials say volatile conditions are preventing crews from determining how many homes have been destroyed in the out-of-control Long Lake wildfire. The blaze, burning in Annapolis County, forced expanded evacuation orders over the weekend, displacing more than 1,000 residents. Premier Tim Houston confirmed Monday that some homes were lost, but the extent of the damage remains unclear.
Conditions remain unsafe for crews
Andrew Mitton, director of regional operations for the province’s Emergency Management Office, told reporters Tuesday that fire zones remain too hazardous for proper assessments. “That north side of the fire, it’s still really hot and smoky and a lot of dangerous trees,” he said, noting that clearance from the Department of Natural Resources is needed before assessments can begin.
Homeowners awaiting confirmation
The Municipality of the County of Annapolis said about 500 civic addresses in the West Dalhousie area remain evacuated. Officials have begun contacting homeowners directly about possible property loss and are working with affected residents to support insurance claims. Some families have already received confirmation of partial damage, while others wait anxiously for news.
Scale of wildfire and rain impact
The Long Lake fire, first reported August 13, has grown to roughly 8,026 hectares—about 80 square kilometres. While rainfall earlier this week offered temporary relief, Natural Resources officials said it was not enough to lift fire restrictions or significantly slow the blaze. “This is going to be a long incident,” said Jim Rudderham, director of fleet and forest protection.
Reinforcements and resources on the ground
Additional firefighting crews and an incident management team are expected to arrive Wednesday to provide relief for exhausted crews. As of Tuesday, 62 firefighters from Ontario, 56 provincial Natural Resources staff, 54 volunteer firefighters, and more than 30 pieces of heavy equipment were working to contain the fire.
Community support for evacuees
Amid the crisis, local residents and organizations have rallied to support displaced families. Jason Burton, among the first evacuated, expressed relief after learning his home survived, though an outbuilding was damaged. “I’m glad we are all safe and the house is still standing,” he said. Community aid, including meals, gift cards, and donations, has helped ease uncertainty. The Salvation Army reported thousands of dollars in donated goods and gift cards have already been distributed to evacuees.
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