⚠️ West Dalhousie / Long Lake Wildfire Update:
Now estimated at 2063 hectares.
The Long Lake wildfires complex grew overnight to an estimated 2063 hectares. No reports of damage to homes at this time. A few campers/trailers lost.
Air resources include 4 NWT planes and 2 contracted helicopters. On the ground are 77 DNR, 22 Ontario, 5 PEI. Local firefighters taking a much needed break, with 10 on scene this morning.
Department of Natural Resources helicopters have not been actively fighting any wildfire’s across the province since the crash that took place on Friday.
One of four provincial DNR helicopters was actively fighting the West Dalhousie / Long Lake Wildfire when it crashed. The pilot was safely rescued and transported to hospital and is doing well.
Transport Canada has been informed of the incident per DNR, who is responsible for investigating all helicopter crashes.
Transport Canada can also ground aircraft in specific situations, such as during investigations or following accidents
There have been surveillance planes flying across Nova Scotia to help detect wildfires in advance this week.
On August 17th, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, issued the following statement:
“Significant wildfires are continuing to impact communities across a number of provinces and territories.
In my capacity as Minister of Emergency Management, I have approved a Request for Federal Assistance from the Government of Nova Scotia to provide resources to support wildfire suppression efforts.
Public Safety’s Government Operations Centre is working with the Canadian Armed Forces and other partners to deploy all necessary federal resources and ensure Nova Scotia has the support it needs.
On behalf of all Canadians, I wish to express my profound gratitude to everyone helping keep people across the country safe during this wildfire season, including firefighters, first responders, emergency management officials and local volunteers.
I continue to remain in close contact with my counterpart in Nova Scotia as the situation evolves. Our government will act swiftly during these difficult times to provide any further assistance needed.”
Next update this afternoon.
