Lightning strikes are actually responsible for just under half of all wildfires in Canada.
(PICTURED – West Dalhousie Wildfire – 2025 resulted in hundreds of evacuations and was a result of a lightning strike)
With warm weather and limited rain following weather last week, it’s made for prime conditions to allow fires to smoulder.
Lightning strikes can smoulder for hours and even days after they’ve reached their target. When conditions are right, these strikes can cause wildfires.
Cross over conditions are considered to be a strong indicator of extreme burning conditions which were very possible today, providing the opportunity for many of these fires to kick off this afternoon.
Department of Natural Resources, aircraft and volunteer firefighters have been responding to remote fires across Kings, Annapolis and Digby counties this week, as a result of many lightning strikes that occurred last week.
Quick efforts by aircraft and firefighters have kept many of these fires at minimum sizes and contained. Thankfully, there has been no risk to residents or properties to date.
If you suspect there may be a wildfire you are encouraged to call 911 or Department of Natural Resources by phoning 1-800-565-2224.
Please follow burn restrictions that are posted daily by the province: https://novascotia.ca/burnsafe/
Photos taken from wildfire responses today and aircraft photo submitted by Edward McCormick.
Adrian J.
