Morale is high, but concerns remain as wildfires continue to burn in Nova Scotia.
Manager of Forest Protection for the Department of Natural Resources Scott Tingley says the Long Lake fire has grown to at least 1100 hectares. There are very smoky conditions, and the fire remains out of control.
He expects the fire will continue to grow today with unfavourable weather conditions. There’s little rain in the forecast, along with low humidity, winds, and it is still very warm.
Residents in the Long Lake region, specifically in the West Dalhousie Road area, have been put on high alert and are ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Officials say wind conditions are not ideal.
Tingley says it’s hard to say exactly how close the fire is to that road due to smoky conditions, but it is within a couple of kilometres. Crews have been monitoring the situation closely, and water bombers are being used to try and steer the flames away.
Teams are also being used to build barriers around that area to help protect it from the wildfires.
Director of Fleet and Forest Protection Jim Rudderham says there are currently 15 active wildfires, with just one out of control. The good news is, there were no new fires that developed on Saturday.
Fifty-seven DNR staff are trying to help contain the Long Lake fire, along with five firefighters from PEI, 84 volunteer firefighters, 20 firefighters from Ontario and 20 others from New Brunswick.
Two helicopters and four planes are also assisting, and there are several other department helicopters on standby.
There is a bit of rain in the forecast over the coming days, but Rudderham says it really isn’t sufficient. He says they need at least two to three days of rain to make any impact at all, and that is a major concern.
They say morale remains high on the ground, amongst firefighters, and the rest of the crew. They are professionals, and despite the hard work, they are determined and know they have a job to do.
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