Nova Scotia wildfire status improves, but steady rain still needed

A shift in weather from scorching hot temperatures to rain and extra bouts of humidity is just what the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was hoping for.

“The weather was very, very good for us over the weekend. The winds were down, humidity was up and we got some rain. So that helps slow the fires and helps ground crews to get a better handle on them,” John Ross said, risk services manager with the department.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The weather was very, very good for us over the weekend. The winds were down, humidity was up and we got some rain. So that helps slow the fires and helps ground crews to get a better handle on them," John Ross said, risk services manager with the department.

READ MORE: Seven Mile Lake wildfire burning near Kejimkujik Park fully contained

Multiple wildfires began burning throughout the province after long stretches of dry weather created the perfect storm for burning conditions.

“The forest floors are extremely dry which increases the spread rate for the fuels that are on the forest floor,” said DNR forest resources technician Dave Steeves said.

Multiple crews from several provinces were called in to fight the fires, and at one point multiple air tankers were on the scene of the Seven Mile Lake blaze.

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After tackling the flames from the air for days, they’re finally getting a chance to head back home.

“We’ve released the water bombers that we had from Newfoundland, Quebec and New Brunswick. All we need now is boots on the ground to put the remaining fires out,” Ross said.

The most recent update from DNR states that travel restrictions in Cape Breton have been lifted.

Burning restrictions are now in place for the island — a change from the previous ‘no burn’ status.

Travel restrictions in the woods and the ‘no burn’ policy remains in effect for Mainland Nova Scotia.

There is no timeline on when any of the mainland restrictions will change.

“We need about two or three days of steady, steady rain to make a difference,” Ross said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We need about two or three days of steady, steady rain to make a difference," Ross said.

For an outline of new burn restrictions on Cape Breton Island you can visit the Nova Scotia Burning Restrictions webpage.