A wildfire in Kings County is still raging, fueled by dry and windy conditions that have posed challenges for firefighting efforts. The Lake George fire near Aylesford, N.S., remains uncontained and spans approximately 245 hectares. While no structures have been reported damaged, the fire, which started on Sunday, has forced the evacuation of 350 homes and cottages, including 79 permanent residences.
At the scene, there are 23 Natural Resources firefighters and 20 local firefighters combating the fire. Aircraft support includes four planes from the Northwest Territories, two planes from Newfoundland and Labrador, and two contracted helicopters, with the possibility of two additional planes from Quebec. Additionally, 18 pieces of heavy equipment are being used to create fire breaks.
The wildfire season has been extended to October 31, with a full burn ban in effect in Annapolis County and daily restrictions in place for all other counties until the end of the month, carrying a $25,000 fine for violations. Typically, the wildfire season runs from March 15 to October 15.
In Annapolis County, the Long Lake fire near West Dalhousie, N.S., is still active but has been declared “under control.” This fire, which began on August 13, destroyed 20 homes or cottages, leading to the evacuation of around 500 addresses and impacting over 1,000 individuals.
Dustin Enslow, deputy warden of the Municipality of the County of Annapolis, expressed solidarity with Kings County, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by affected communities. Enslow mentioned that 60% of the destroyed structures lacked insurance coverage, underscoring the devastating impact regardless of insurance status. Firefighters are expected to remain on-site for an extended period due to lingering subsurface fires in the area.
The threat of wind remains a concern at the Long Lake fire, with the risk of falling trees endangering properties and power lines. Enslow highlighted the significant number of downed power poles, particularly on Thorne Road, emphasizing the prolonged recovery process ahead.
These updates come amidst other significant news stories, including the retirement announcement of the Halifax fire chief and the launch of an assault-style gun buyback program in Cape Breton. Additionally, the reopening of the Cobequid Community Health Centre following a furnace issue and ongoing discussions at the Nova Scotia legislature have captured public attention.
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