Long Lake Wildfire Complex Contained After 45 Days of Efforts

The Long Lake wildfire complex, which has been a significant challenge for firefighters over the past 45 days, is now under control, according to an update from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). On Saturday morning, the DNR reported that the fire is responding positively to suppression efforts, stating, “It is not expected to grow, but it is still not extinguished.”

Ongoing Efforts and Challenges

The wildfire, which ignited from lightning strikes on August 13, 2023, quickly expanded due to dry conditions and high winds. Firefighters from across Canada, including teams from Ontario, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island, joined local crews and DNR personnel in combating the flames. Despite their collective efforts, the fire’s ferocity led to the evacuation of 505 homes and the loss of 20 homes.

Residents who had been evacuated are now returning to their homes, marking a significant relief for many. Nevertheless, the battle against the wildfire is far from over. The DNR estimates that the fire currently spans 8,468 acres, with multiple active hotspots still being addressed by crews on the ground.

While firefighters typically continue their efforts until a wildfire is completely extinguished, the DNR has indicated that winter may arrive before this fire is fully contained. They stated, “If that happens, the fire won’t be a threat during the winter; monitoring will continue until firefighting can resume in spring.”

Impact of Weather Conditions

Annapolis County has endured the brunt of the wildfire’s impact, although the entire province of Nova Scotia has faced challenging weather conditions, including high temperatures and drought, which are conducive to wildfires. In response to these conditions, a burn ban was enacted on July 30, prohibiting open fires and those using wood as fuel.

As conditions have begun to improve, the burn ban was lifted on Friday night for most areas of the province, except for Annapolis County. “It’s been a very challenging wildfire season, and I thank all Nova Scotians for co-operating with the prevention measures we put in place,” said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources, in a press release.

While the overall situation is improving, daily burn restrictions may still apply in certain regions. The province will continue to update its BurnSafe map to reflect current conditions, ensuring that residents remain informed about fire risks.

The Long Lake wildfire complex serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by climate conditions and their impact on communities. As firefighting efforts continue, the resilience of those affected will be tested in the days and months ahead.