Two wildfires are burning out of control near Kejimkujik National Park, Nova Scotia.
One fire, at Seven Mile Lake in Annapolis County, is approximately 90 hectares according to Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Brian Taylor. The second fire at Maitland Bridge, N.S. is approximately 24 hectares.
The fires are in proximity to Kejimkujik National Park but don’t pose a threat to the park according to the department’s forest protection operations manager Jim Rudderham.
Rudderham said the fires have moved overnight but crews have not been able to measure the distance because they are too busy fighting the fires.
Fire crews with the Department of Natural Resources and volunteer fire fighters from local detachments returned to fight the blazes early Saturday morning. Two water bombers are also on scene at Seven Mile Lake.
Fire forces road closures
The fires are forcing road closures in Queens County and Annapolis County for the second day in a row.
Highway 8 between the Kejimkujik National Park gates and Lake Larose, in Annapolis is closed.
Burn ban remains in effect for much of Nova Scotia
A burn ban remains in effect for most of Mainland Nova Scotia. The only exception to that is in Antigonish County and in Cape Breton.
According to Environment Canada, temperatures in the area will hit a high of 29 degrees, but will feel like 34 degrees with the humidex. Winds are coming from the southwest at 20 kilometres an hour, gusting up to 40 kilometres an hour.
“It’s hot, sunny, dry, and windy outside,” Rudderham said. “All the things that fires love, and no rain.”
In addition to the fire ban, Rudderham is asking residents to pay particular attention when performing any other activities that could accidentally cause a fire.
In particular he said residents should be careful when using any motors with a muffler, because of the heat they create. ATVs, lawn mowers, and whipper snippers are examples of equipment that could unintentionally cause a fire if they are left near dry grass or brush after being used.
Greenfield, N.S. fire contained
A third fire, also in Queens County, reached 4.6 hectares before it was contained by crews.
Fire crews remain on site at that fire as well until they are assured the fire is out.