The Jacket Lake wildfire has seen a dramatic increase in size, growing from an estimated four hectares upon its initial discovery to approximately 1,700 hectares within just one day. This rapid expansion of the wildfire highlights the seriousness of the situation as firefighters continue to battle the blazes.
On Thursday evening, around 9:00 p.m., an evacuation order was issued for areas along Mooseland Road, impacting residents from 4315 Mooseland Rd. down to Highway 7. Those who were forced to leave their homes were advised to register at designated evacuation centres, which include the Musquodoboit Rural High School located at 11980 Hwy. #224 and Marine Drive Academy at 479 Church Point Rd.
A spokesperson representing Halifax Regional Municipality informed The Canadian Press that the evacuation order affects an estimated 100 to 150 individuals. Fire crews have been engaged in intensive efforts to control the out-of-control blaze that initially ignited in a “hard-to-access” area of the county. Reports indicate that on Thursday afternoon, the flames spread rapidly to the south and east, crossing Mooseland Road.
Due to changing fire conditions, the planned exit route for firefighting crews was compromised, leading the Halifax Professional Fire Fighters union to communicate that firefighters and personnel from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) established a safe refuge and coordinated a careful exit from the affected area.
In terms of firefighting resources, the DNR reported that 24 personnel from the provincial government, along with 31 volunteer firefighters and members of Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Services, have been deployed to combat the fire. Additionally, the air support for firefighting has been significant, with two helicopters and four fixed-wing water bombers actively engaged in dousing flames from above. More fixed-wing water bombers arriving from Newfoundland were also on their way to assist with the operation on Thursday evening.
Officials from the DNR have noted with concern that there have been over 100 wildfires recorded in Nova Scotia this year, indicating a doubling of incidents compared to the same time frame last year. The substantial increase in wildfire activity reflects a growing challenge for firefighting efforts and raises questions about the environmental conditions contributing to such outbreaks.
This evolving situation regarding the Jacket Lake wildfire is a reminder of the potential dangers posed by wildfires, especially given the increased frequency this year in Nova Scotia. As communities respond to the evacuation orders, the efforts of the firefighting teams on the ground and in the air remain crucial in battling this persistent threat.
