Nova Scotia officials say parts of the province’s largest wildfire in Annapolis Valley have increased in intensity because of the wind.
In a social media post on Monday, the Department of Natural Resources said the southern end of the Long Lake wildfire had been most active.
The size of the wildfire is estimated to be nearly 85 square kilometres, but there has been no new damage to homes reported.
Crews were using helicopters to drop water on the southern end of the fire to establish a perimeter that can help firefighters tackle the blaze, said the post.
Get breaking National news
For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
“Crews are working hard while favourable weather lasts, aiming to get a line of fire breaks around the entire perimeter of the fire zone,” it said.
So far, officials have said 20 homes and at least 11 outbuildings, such as sheds or garages, have been destroyed or seriously damaged by the Long Lake wildfire.
The social media post said 61 firefighters from Ontario, 40 from Quebec and another 61 local crew, along with 50 pieces of heavy machinery are tackling the blaze. The province’s Department of Natural Resources firefighters were taking a break from firefighting on Monday.
Environment Canada issued an air quality warning for Annapolis County.
Smoke from the Long Lake wildfire will “significantly” reduce air quality, it said Monday.
Meanwhile, there was one out-of-control wildfire in northeastern New Brunswick. The Beaver Lake Stream wildfire in Northumberland County, which was found on Aug. 14, measures just under five square kilometres.
While most restrictions on access to Crown lands have been lifted in New Brunswick, a burn ban remains in place.
Read the full article here
