Evacuation Order Issued as Lake George Wildfire Grows Out of Control in Nova Scotia
An evacuation order has been issued for residents living near the Lake George wildfire in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley. The fire has grown to an estimated 80 hectares and is now considered out of control. The alert was issued just after 6 p.m. on Monday.
Evacuation Zones and Instructions
Residents from the southern to northern boundaries of Lake George in Kings County have been told to evacuate their homes immediately. The evacuation order is also in effect between Kingswood Camp and the Fox Mountain campground, from Old Mill Lane to Simpson Cove Lane, and from Simpson Cove Lane along both sides of North River Road to Aylesford Lake Beach.
The emergency alert instructs residents to "Take your pets, important documents and enough medication, food and emergency supplies."
State of Emergency Declared
A state of emergency has been declared in Kings County. An emergency reception area and shelter has been established by the Canadian Red Cross at the Louis Millett Community Complex in New Minas. All evacuees are being asked to register upon arrival.
Local Perspectives and Fire Progression
Kings County Coun. Tim Harding, whose district includes the Lake George area, stated that the fire initially appeared under control until the wind shifted and conditions deteriorated rapidly on Monday afternoon.
"The wind's in our direction, so we just got asked to leave our homes and gather everything we can find and get out quick,"he said. Harding estimates that more than 100 homes may be affected by the evacuation order, adding, "You can see smoke right into Kentville from Lake George... It's a lot of smoke."
Efforts to Contain the Wildfire
According to a social media post by Nova Scotia's Department of Natural Resources (DNR), dry and windy conditions have caused the wildfire to spread quickly. On Monday morning, the DNR reported the fire was being held at approximately two hectares, after being first reported shortly after 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Currently, DNR and volunteer firefighters are on the scene battling the blaze. Water bombers from the Northwest Territories and New Brunswick are actively working to suppress the fire. Two planes from Quebec are en route to provide further support.
