Yarmouth Wildfire Not Expected To Reach Any Communities

A wildfire burning in Yarmouth County is not threatening homes or businesses.

In a statement yesterday, Natural Resources and Renewables Minister Tory Rushton says the 3,100 hectare fire near Horseshoe Lake is spreading toward Rushy Lake, but it is not expected to reach any communities.

Yesterday, Wildfire Prevention Officer with DNRR Kara McCurdy says measurements of the fire will continue to fluctuate.

“The biggest issue crews are having with getting a good handle on the size of the fire is the smoke. They’re having trouble visually getting a good measurement of it,” says McCurdy.

She says it’s the largest fire in the province since a 1,900 hectare blaze in Porter’s Lake in 2008.

A water-bomber from Newfoundland is assisting provincial crews on scene.

An air quality statement is in effect for Yarmouth, Shelburne and Digby counties, and burning is prohibited in Southwestern Nova Scotia.

Burning is not allowed right now in Southwestern Nova Scotia.

McCurdy says it only takes 12 hours after a rain event for ‘fire fuel’ to dry up.

“But not only that, we’re getting into what’s called ‘spring dip,’ which is when all the trees’ energy goes into the leaves and new growth. Our forests are really dry right now.”

McCurdy says the origin of the fire is under investigation, but it’s believed to be human-caused.

An air quality statement remains in effect for the Tri-Counties as smoke may continue to spread across the region.