Crews welcome rain in fight against Long Lake wildfire

CITYnews halifax / By Rachel Morgan

Crews battling the Long Lake wildfire complex may get some aid this afternoon as rain is forecasted for Annapolis County.

The fire is estimated at 8,234 hectares and remains out of control.

Environment Canada is forecasting two to four millimetres of rain beginning at noon with another two to four millimetres expected in the evening.

Last weekend, Jim Rudderham, Director of Fleet and Forest Protection, said prolonged rain is needed to make a significant impact on the fire’s size but as little as 10 millimtres could help support crews.

“Nice, steady, gentle rain for a few days is what we’re after. But again, we’ll take it,” he said.

The province’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says there were no new reports of damage overnight.

On Aug. 24, the fire grew substantially fueled by dry, hot conditions and heavy winds, damaging 20 homes.

“It was devastating news, and our hearts were broken for those who lost their homes in the West Dalhousie wildfire. These were not just structures, they were places filled with memories, comfort and meaning,” Diane LeBlanc, Warden, County of Annapolis, said.

An additional 11 structures, including garages and sheds, were damaged as well. The damage done to each structure varied.

Related:

• Long Lake wildfire grows to nearly 8,300 hectares: DNR
• Annapolis County wildfire expected to be a long fight, officials say
• Some homes lost in ‘devastating’ Annapolis County wildfire
• More evacuations ordered as crews fight growing Annapolis County wildfire

DNR says all resources are working on fire breaks around the perimeter including dozer guards, hoses and pumps.

“Aircraft knock down hot spots, make it safe for ground crews to work. As sections of perimeter are “tied in” or “buttoned up” with fire breaks, crews work from the outside in to fight the fire,” the department wrote in a post on X.

Rain is expected to stop by Sunday morning with widespread smoke blanketing the area. Annapolis County remains under and air quality warning.

The province has lifted forest restrictions for some areas of the province but those bans remain in place for Annapolis County.

Temperatures for Sunday are expected to reach a high of 19 C, climbing back to 26 C by Monday.