Mandatory evacuation orders have expanded in Nova Scotia’s Kings County, as firefighters try to contain an out-of-control wildfire.
As of Wednesday evening, more than 350 properties have been evacuated in the area around Lake George.
The province says the blaze is now estimated to be 290 hectares, which is double the size from the day before, and has been fueled by dry and windy conditions.
Seventy-eight more properties were evacuated Wednesday, with the municipality’s mayor calling it a “desperate situation.”
“Most of them are feeling really desperate and anxious to find out what’s going to be left when they go back but so far, last reports there hasn’t been any structure fires yet and hopefully their homes will be safe when they get back,” said Mayor David Corkum.
A Wednesday morning alert from the province ordered the mandatory evacuation of Aylesford Road from (and including) Fox Mountain Campground to 3847 Aylesford Rd. All residences on Spruce Drive, Birch Lane, and Blue Lane, as well as all residences between 5 North River Rd. and 1493 North River Rd. have also been ordered to evacuate.
The order is in addition to areas previously evacuated.
“It’s starting to get close now,” said Corkum.
“Before, it was within miles. But now it’s … I’ve had reports of people (who) have been able to look out in their backyard and see flames.”
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Residents are asked to to take pets, important documents, medications, food and emergency supplies.
An emergency reception centre has been set up at the Louis Millett Centre in New Minas, where residents are asked to register.
“We’re looking forward to having everyone register at the comfort centre. If you’re evacuated and staying with family, it’s very important that we keep track of where you’re at,” said Corkum.
As of Wednesday, there are 23 Department of Natural Resources and 20 local firefighters battling the blaze. As well, there are seven helicopters — four of which are from the Northwest Territories — on scene and 18 pieces of heavy equipment building fire breaks.
Special air quality statement
Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for Kings and Lunenburg counties.
The statement says smoke from the Lake George wildfire may cause reduced air quality in the area, as well as downwind. The conditions will vary as wind and fire behaviour changes.
Environment Canada advises people to reduce time outdoors, and to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible when indoors.
Symptoms could include throat irritation, headaches, wheezing and chest pains. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Province extends wildfire season
The province has extended its wildfire season, which typically runs until Oct. 15, to Oct. 31.
This means the full burn ban will remain in effect in Annapolis County and daily burn restrictions will continue to apply in all other counties until the end of the month.
The ban applies to open fires such as campfires, bonfires, brush fires, fires in chimeneas and any other fire that is not enclosed and uses wood as the fuel.
The fine for violations is $25,000
“We have never seen wildfire activity so late in the season, so we’re taking this step to help keep our people and our communities safe,” said Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton in a release.
“The daily burn restrictions are based on science, data and our staff’s expertise and experience. Extending the restrictions to the end of the month means we’ll have a better chance of avoiding more fires.”
Officials declared the Lake George fire out of control on Monday, and ordered the evacuation of nearby campgrounds and homes. By Tuesday, other nearby residents were asked to be prepared to evacuate.
In a media availability Tuesday, officials said the blaze was likely human-caused, and that a fire so late in the wildfire season is rare.
“Tomorrow is October and in most of my experience in this province the rain starts in September and we are pretty much done (the fire season), so this is a new one for me,” said Jim Rudderham, director of fleet and forest protection with the Department of Natural Resources.
— with files from The Canadian Press and Global News’ Mitchell Bailey.
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