Updated: Strong winds fuel Long Lake wildfire forcing more evacuations twice, Sunday

Strong winds and high temperatures have fueled the Long Lake wildfire as it continues to burn out of control forcing additional evacuations across Annapolis County, twice on Sunday.

“This is the day we’ve been planning for,” said Scott Tingley, manager of forest protection. “Everything in fire behaviour that you don’t want is happening today — high winds, no rain, high temperatures and low humidity.”

As of 8:15 p.m., the Nova Scotia Emergency Management says mandatory evacuations now include Highway 10 and all streets around Trout, Zwicker and East Lakes, New Albany, Old Liverpool Road, Che-Boag-A-Nish Road and all West Dalhousie Road in Albany Cross.

This follows an expanded evacuation order Sunday afternoon that included Morse Road between civic numbers 571 and 1073, and Thorne Road between civic numbers 4272 and 4291.

The Department of Natural Resources says the fire has now crossed West Dalhousie Road at several points, crossed Thorne Road and moved as far as Paradise Lake.

Authorities are urging people to avoid the area unless directly affected and to follow instructions from local officials.

Households should have grab-and-go bags prepared for all members, including pets.

DNR says all efforts are being made to save homes and other structures.

Fire status and response

The fire, last measured at 3,255 hectares, intensified Saturday evening and remains active Sunday.

Officials say the most likely direction of growth is northward, with the most active section of the fire estimated to be about three kilometres from West Dalhousie Road.

DNR says a new size estimate will not be possible until there is less smoke and aircraft can take a break from firefighting to get an accurate measurement.

Personnel on the ground include 62 firefighters from Ontario, 56 provincial wildfire staff, 54 volunteer responders and 43 additional support staff from the Department of Natural Resources. Aircraft and heavy machinery are being used to contain the blaze.

Structure protection systems were activated early Sunday, including sprinkler networks around homes and infrastructure.

Crews have cleared combustible materials and tested water systems that can continue running even if personnel must withdraw for safety.

The incident command post was relocated to Bridgetown as a precaution. Officials say the move does not affect firefighting operations.

Nova Scotia Power says there may be times they need to cut power temporarily with little or no notice while firefighting efforts continue.

Air quality and support

An air quality advisory remains in effect for Annapolis County due to wildfire smoke. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity and monitor symptoms.

Evacuees must register at the Emergency Reception Centre NSCC Middleton 295 Commercial Street.

Info: 1-833-806-1515 (call 911 only for emergencies)

A comfort centre is open at the Bridgetown Fire Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Overnight accommodations are available through the Canadian Red Cross at 1-800-222-9597.

Rain is forecast for Monday evening, with about 10 millimetres expected near the fire site.

Jim Rudderham, director of fleet and forest protection, said it may help slow the fire’s spread but won’t be enough to extinguish it.

“We need multiple days of nice, steady rain,” he said. “The soil is crusty and hard — it can’t even absorb water yet.”

The next update is expected Monday morning.