Hundreds of homeowners and seasonal residents have been forced from their properties and remain evacuated as the Lake George Wildfire continues to burn out of control.
The fire broke out on Sunday, September 28th, just a few kilometres from the Fox Mountain Campground, off of a new fire road on the west side of Aylesford Road.
The fire at the time was remote in nature, small in size, covering an estimated area of 1 hectare and was not impacting any structures. Its report still raised concerns for residents in the area, as it was only burning just a few kilometres from the roadway.
“I didn’t know the extent of it, but then I seen the water bombers go over my house I realized how close it actually was.” Jack Penny shared.
Quebec CL-415 water bomber overhead of Jacks property on Tuesday, Sept 30th. Photo Courtesy Jack Penny.
Firefighters, one helicopter and four Northwest Territories skimmers worked the fire on Sunday evening until dusk, bringing the fire to “Being held.” Crews returned to the fire grounds on Monday morning to continue suppression efforts.
“The next morning, the first thing I seen the fire was being held and I felt pretty good about it. I went to work and didn’t even think about it all day.” Penny recalled.
The Department of Natural Resources, along with volunteer firefighters from Aylesford and Berwick worked on the grounds to continue to get the fire under control Monday morning and afternoon. Theresa fire was estimated to be approximately 2 hectares.
By the midafternoon hours, conditions turned for the worst. High wind gusts and significant fire behaviour made the wildfire explode in size, ultimately jumping a busy roadway, only half a kilometre from Jack Penny’s home and many other residents just outside Morristown.
Penny wasn’t aware of what was unfolding and left work early incase he had to pack his bags and evacuate.
“The fire was breaking out bad when I got home from work around 3PM on Monday, I didn’t know what to expect.” Jack stated.
The fire was then reclassified as out of control on Monday and prompted evacuations for those who were in its path with a new estimated growth to be roughly 80 hectares and growing.
“Me and a buddy had met up and checked it out, we had seen the fire on both sides of the road, and it was getting scary. I went back home and packed a bag and waited from there.” Stated Jack.
The evacuations that were sent up until Wednesday didn’t include Penny and a handful of others, despite Jack residing only half a kilometre before the S turn from where the fire had jumped Aylesford Road.
The fire continued to burn overnight Monday and throughout the day Tuesday. It was burning on both sides of Aylesford Road and away from where Jack and others reside, between Fox Mountain Campground and where the fire had jumped.
The Lake George Wildfire burns just a half a kilometre away from Jacks home, the glow could be seen on Monday, September 29th around 826PM. Photo Courtesy Jack Penny.
Since Monday, Jack and neighbouring residents, less than a kilometre away, have been waiting for the evacuation order.
Jack stood out on his property watching trucks pass by most of the day Tuesday, unsure of what to do. Eventually, asking some local authorities whether he should leave, they confirmed he wasn’t expected to evacuate but to prepare.
On Wednesday morning, Jack received the emergency alert to evacuate. With lots of preparation, he quickly left yesterday morning and has been staying with family on the North Mountain.
“This is way too close to home, knowing many of those who are working out there, I know they are doing the best they can.” Jack Penny expressed.
Jack and many others have been able to safely evacuate, continuing to sit and wait for the next steps while many aircraft, firefighters and heavy equipment continue to battle the fire.
The Lake George Wildfire burns just a half a kilometre away from Jacks home, the glow could be seen on Monday, September 29th around 826PM. Photo Courtesy Jack Penny.
The Lake George Wildfire as of Wednesday was estimated to be 290 hectares in size, continuing to burn out of control with hundreds of residents evacuated.
Department of Natural Resources has since gotten a more precise measurement and the fire is now estimated at 245 hectares and out of control from their latest update on Thursday.
We are thinking of all those who have had to flee their homes, and we are anxiously praying for good news.
Jack’s experiences are just a fraction of what’s been unfolding, with many having to evacuate and load up livestock. It’s been a very tense few days for our community members in the Annapolis Valley.
My thoughts remain with all those impacted and the best of success to our firefighters, DNR, heavy equipment operators and out-of-province pilots who are working around the clock to contain this fire.
There are many who are working to help prepare meals, drop off donations and volunteer to help in this coordinated effort. You are all appreciated.
Adrian J.
