Nova Scotia Wildfires Force More Evacuations in Annapolis Valley
The situation in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley has become increasingly serious as the Long Lake wildfire continues to burn out of control. What began as a contained fire has now grown into a massive 3,255-hectare blaze, and residents have been forced to leave their homes as emergency crews battle to keep the flames back.
On Sunday, officials confirmed that conditions could not be more dangerous for firefighting. The region is experiencing hot, dry, and windy weather, the perfect combination for a fire to gain strength. Winds from the south and southeast have been pushing flames closer toward West Dalhousie Road, bringing the fire within just a kilometre of certain key areas. That proximity led to urgent evacuation orders being expanded overnight.
Entire stretches of communities were told to leave, including homes along Highway 10, as well as the areas around Trout, Zwicker, and East Lakes in New Albany. Evacuations also stretched to Old Liverpool Road, Che-Boag-A-Nish Road, West Dalhousie Road in Albany Cross, and along Morse and Thorne Roads. Families in these regions were given very little time to act, packing up what they could before being moved to safety.
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Scott Tingley, Nova Scotia’s Manager of Forest Protection, described the day as one that had long been feared. “This is the day we’ve been planning for but hoping wouldn’t come true,” he explained, pointing to the fire’s unpredictable behaviour. His colleague, Jim Rudderham, added that “everything in fire behaviour that you don’t want is happening today.” Both men emphasized the immense challenge firefighters are facing as crews struggle against relentless flames and dangerous winds.
The command post for the Department of Natural Resources had to be relocated from West Dalhousie Road into the Bridgetown area, a clear sign of how close the fire has come to residential and working zones. Officials have stated that the highest priority remains public safety, both for residents and the responders risking their lives at the fire line.
Tingley also expressed his sympathy for the people forced from their homes, acknowledging the exhaustion and uncertainty families have endured. For many, it has already been days away from their communities, with no clear timeline on when it will be safe to return.
There is some cautious hope in the forecast. Environment Canada has predicted up to 10 millimetres of rain for Annapolis County. Fire officials have said that while any rainfall is welcome, what is truly needed is several days of steady, soaking rain to make a real difference against a fire of this size. Crews continue to work around the clock, even as resources are stretched thin across the province.
As of now, five wildfires remain active in Nova Scotia, though most are under control. The Long Lake fire, however, remains the most aggressive and dangerous, serving as a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can shift and how devastating wildfire season can be.
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