Lake George, Kings County Wildfire Update

Brian Teepell/USPA 24 News - A provincewide burn ban is in effect. Failure to comply will result in a $25,000 penalty. For more information, please refer to Summary Offence Tickets Regulations at https://novascotia.ca/just/regulations/rxam-z.htm#sumpr. Report any wildfires or burn ban violations to 1-800-565-2224 or 911.

Crews have resumed their firefighting efforts in Lake George this morning. Although wind speeds have decreased, this afternoon's conditions will remain hazardous. The fire's activity is intensifying as the day progresses.

Heavy equipment operations are underway on the north side of the fire. Measures for structural protection have been put in place for nearby homes and a bridge. Relative to the much larger Long Lake wildfire, which is currently under control with hotspot management by crews, data from IR satellite imaging reveals that the heat and activity emanating from the Long Lake complex presently surpasses that of the Lake George fire.

Decreasing humidity, rising temperatures, and wind gusts approaching 40 km/h later today will contribute to less favourable firefighting conditions.

Smoke is presently drifting into inland Annapolis County and towards New Germany. As fire activity increases this afternoon, smoke intensity is expected to rise, spreading into Lunenburg, Annapolis, and Shelburne counties. Overnight, winds are expected to shift, bringing smoke into Halifax by tomorrow morning.

Yesterday, crews overcame difficult weather to make significant headway. The fire's estimated size has decreased again this morning, thanks to more accurate measurements enabled by reduced smoke. The latest estimate stands at approximately 245 hectares. Nearby gravel pit dust has occasionally been mistaken for smoke, but investigations have confirmed it to be dust.

Fire conditions are anticipated to deteriorate later today due to poor weather. The weather outlook for tomorrow is similarly unfavorable. Water bomber 802s will momentarily withdraw from the fire for refueling and essential tasks, then resume their operations. The 415s will persist in their firefighting efforts.

The higher atmospheric ceiling today is beneficial for air support operations, although they now have to navigate around a significant number of migratory birds.

Currently, onsite operations involve 23 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and 20 local firefighters, complemented by four Northwest Territories planes, two Newfoundland planes, two contracted helicopters, and 18 pieces of heavy equipment establishing fire breaks. Two planes may also return from Quebec to carry out swift strikes.

Breaking Update: 1630, LAKE GEORGE WILDFIRE UPDATE: The fire continues to rage out of control, spreading rapidly due to strong winds. Air support and ground crews are actively working to suppress the fire and stay ahead of its advance. Heavy machinery is being employed to create fire breaks and contain the spread. A significant increase in fire activity has been observed over the past 90 minutes. Nova Scotia Power is closely monitoring water levels at Aylesford Reservoir to ensure adequate supply for local firefighting efforts, including water bombers. The Hydro Operations team has halted water sluicing from Aylesford Reservoir into the Black River System and will maintain current levels until priorities change. A substantial number of resources are being utilized to combat the fire, with crews working diligently to establish control. Tomorrow's forecast of strong winds, warmer temperatures, and lower humidity is expected to drive the fire in a new direction, potentially complicating suppression efforts. This remains a developing situation. The fire currently spans 245 hectares.