There has been a new precise measure for the Lake George Wildfire, now estimated at 245 hectares and still out of control.
Weather conditions are more favourable today compared to previous days, with a reduction in winds but conditions can change and are still very dry and windy.
Unfortunately winds are expected to shift and expected to increase, anticipating increased fire behaviour on Friday.
The (SPU) Structural Protection Unit made positive progress yesterday equipping many properties in the Lake George area with sprinklers and drafting pumps to feed these directly from the lake, reducing the need for a plethora of tanker trucks to shuttle water.
The fire is burning well into wooded areas of Lake George where access is limited.
Fire breaks are currently being built by heavy machinery along with DNR with ports tanks and DNR crews working hands lines near fire breaks.
Heavy machinery worked all day yesterday to create a fire break with sprinklers soaking the area and creating a humidity bubble to protect the community of Lake George.
Firefighters worked to soak down vegetation and properties multiples times yesterday via tankers with deck guns and will continue this work today.
Multiple aircraft, including 2 contracted helicopters, 1 DNR helicopter, 4 NWT 802 skimmers, 4 CL-415s, two from Newfoundland & two from Quebec, were dropping water from the air all day yesterday.
The NWT 802s are airborne and back on the fire grounds this morning dropping water. The NFLD 415s stayed overnight at Greenwood base and are expected to fight the fire today as well, while the two Quebec 415s returned to Quebec after working the fire last night and it’s unknown if they will be available to return at this time.
Aylesford Firefighters alongside Berwick, Waterville and Brooklyn returned to the fire grounds today including two Public Works tankers.
Brooklyn Fire has been tasked with structural protection using a plethora of their sprinkler gear alongside Halifax Fire and large irrigation sprinklers that Aylesford Fire recently put in service.
Onsite today are 23 DNR and 20 local firefighters, 4 NWT planes, 2 Newfoundland planes, 2 contracted helicopters, and 18 pieces of heavy equipment building fire breaks.
Department of Natural Resources staff, Conservation officers, Department of Emergency Management, Public Safety Field Communications, EHS Paramedics, Kings District RCMP, Valley & Annapolis GSAR, Nova Scotia Department of Public Works, Contracted Security, Canadian Red Cross, Kings REMO, numerous volunteers and other agencies that may not be listed have been involved in the effort.
The Morristown Community Centre is up and running where many volunteers are helping where needed.
An emergency Reception Centre has also been established at Louis Millett Centre in New Minas.
Evacuations and road closures remain in place.
There have been no reported damages to structures at this time.
We thank all those working the fire and the many volunteers who are helping behind the scenes.
Adrian J. ed
