The Long Lake wildfire in Annapolis County has intensified, leading to significant losses as officials confirmed that 20 homes were destroyed in West Dalhousie. The wildfire, which has been burning for over a week, reached unprecedented levels of heat on Sunday, August 24, making firefighting efforts increasingly challenging. Despite the efforts of firefighters, the flames were so intense that even water was ineffective in mitigating the fire's impact.
The homes that were lost were primarily located on West Dalhousie, Thorne, and Morse Roads, and some were not primary residences. In total, an additional 11 structures were either lost or damaged in the area. Diane LeBlanc, the Warden of the County of Annapolis, expressed deep sympathy for those affected, stating, “It was devastating news, and our hearts were broken for those who lost their homes in the West Dalhousie wildfire. These were not just structures; they were places filled with memories, comfort, and meaning.”
As of the latest update, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reported that the wildfire has expanded to approximately 8,247 hectares, nearly five times the size of the Bedford Basin in Halifax. The fire is labeled as Nova Scotia's largest and only out-of-control wildfire. Firefighting efforts have ramped up significantly, with 11 helicopters, six planes, and bird dogs being deployed to combat the flames from the air. Ground crews consist of 12 personnel from DNR, 89 firefighters from Ontario, 70 local firefighters, and over 70 heavy equipment operators.
Firefighting efforts are ongoing as officials aim to prevent further damage to structures amidst returning dry conditions. A slight amount of rain that fell on Wednesday afternoon helped firefighting teams establish barriers between the flames and the surrounding dry forest. In response to the long duration of the fire, the DNR announced that an incident management team along with 20 Ontario firefighters would be arriving to assist Nova Scotia crews. This staffing shift is a standard practice during prolonged wildfire incidents.
Officials have raised concerns about the future of the wildfire due to ongoing drought conditions and a lack of rain in the forecast. Experts predict that the wildfire incident will present long-term challenges for firefighting teams as they continue to battle the increasingly aggressive flames. The situation remains critical in Annapolis County, as communities brace themselves for the potential for further evacuations and property damage.
