Annapolis County wildfire continues to burn out of control despite rain overnight
The blaze near Long Lake remains out of control and has grown to an estimated 1,977 hectares, or roughly 20 square kilometres, Natural Resources said in update posted to social media on Sunday evening.
It said the wildfire had advanced past Godfrey Lake to the intersection of Fairns and West Dalhousie roads, near a number of homes that have been evacuated, and to the south side of Spectacle Lake.
Officials have evacuated 107 homes in the West Dalhousie area, affecting roughly 215 people.
Dustin Enslow, the deputy warden of the Municipality of the County of Annapolis, said rain that fell overnight is providing some hope for crews.
"At this point, there hasn't been any additional evacuations orders," Enslow told CBC's Information Morning Cape Breton on Monday morning.
CBC meteorologist Tina Simpkin said between 15 and 20 millimetres of rain fell in the area of the wildfire overnight Sunday.
Scott Tingley, manager of forest protection for the Natural Resources Department, said Sunday that while rain is appreciated, it wouldn't be enough to make a measurable impact.
Enslow said evacuees are on edge.
"They are very anxious and nervous and worried about what's to come, but at the same time, they are thankful for the support of everyone who is actually fighting the fire and the overwhelming support from the rest of Nova Scotia," said Enslow.
The update from Natural Resources said a large ground force of more than 200 firefighters — including 77 from the department, 120 local firefighters, 20 from Ontario and five from Prince Edward Island — were on the scene trying to save homes on Sunday night.
Two contracted helicopters were dropping water on the fire, and as of 7:45 p.m. local time, there were no reports of damage to any structure.
Tingley said sprinklers, hoses and barriers were in place to protect houses in the area.
In a news release on Sunday afternoon, the federal government announced it has approved a request for assistance from Nova Scotia.
The full extent of the resources that will be deployed is not yet known, but Eleanor Olszewski, the federal minister of emergency management and community resilience, said the government is working with the Canadian Armed Forces and other partners to "ensure Nova Scotia has the support it needs."
According to Patricia Jreige, spokesperson for Nova Scotia's Department of Emergency Management, the province asked Ottawa for permission to use CFB Greenwood to land and refuel the four skimmer planes that have arrived from the Northwest Territories.
Evacuees allowed to briefly return home
Over the weekend, evacuees were allowed to briefly return home with an escort to pick up clothes and grab essential items like medications.
Enslow said Sunday that most of the people affected are staying with family and friends, but others have been camping.
There are 13 wildfires burning in the province. Long Lake, which started last Wednesday, is the only one listed as out of control.
Environment Canada's Air Quality Health Index forecasts a low risk around the province but notes the possibility of moderate risk in some areas due to the smoke.
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