Department of Natural Resources is now estimating the West Dalhousie / Long Lake Wildfire at 8,465 hectares today.
Twenty homes and 11 outbuilding have been lost during explosive fire behaviour that occurred on Sunday, August 24th.
Firefighters made all efforts to save homes and properties while having 88 structures equipped with sprinkler protection, 85 of those were saved. Currently there have been no further damages or structures impacted.
Take note, during previous wildfires, sprinkler protection equipment was not introduced. This new equipment is a game changer with wildfires in Nova Scotia and has played a key role in saving homes.
Despite all the efforts, the fire remains out of control even 19 days after it was reported.
With shorter days and lower humidity the weather is becoming more favourable for fire crews to make good progress.
Officials confirming that crews have not yet completed a line around the entire fire zone.
Fire breaks along some sections of the perimeter are nearing completion. With primary work being focused on the northern end of the fire to prevent spread toward communities and allowing firefighters to advance from the outside in to fight the fire.
All firefighters and agencies are working as hard as they can to ensure evacuees can get home as soon as possible.
Over 1,000 residents have been displaced as a result of the out of control fire.
Crews continue to battle numerous hot spots within the fire zone putting in extensive labour and long days.
Current resources dedicated to the effort include 10 helicopters, 6 planes with bird dogs, 16 DNR, 48 Ontario, 40 Quebec and 59 local firefighters.
There are also about 50 pieces of heavy machinery working, while others are being released as stretches of dozer line are completed.
Road closures remain in place on Morse Road, West Dalhousie Road, Highway 10 and all cross roads between Crisp and West Dalhousie on Hwy 10.
Jim Rudderham Director of Fleet and Forest Protection for Department of Natural Resources shared in a recent press conference that a total of 28 charges had been laid for both burn and wood travel violations by conservation and other police agencies.
Since August 5th there have been 43 wildfires reported across Nova Scotia.
The next update on the West Dalhousie / Long Lake wildfire is expected around midday tomorrow by DNR.
Adrian J.
