Article contentHe added the Salvation Army is providing assistance with meals for the evacuee centre.Article content Crews created a fire break and put hose lines around the West Dalhousie Community Centre, which is housing the incident command post, during the Aug.16-17 weekend. The Long Lake wildfires complex is in the background. Photo by Province of Nova ScotiaArticle contentArticle contentEvacuation zoneArticle contentThe county issued the initial evacuation order on Aug. 14 and has since expanded that several times. During the afternoon on Aug. 17, the evacuation zone expanded again, causing the evacuation of more residents, including most of the volunteers who were cooking meals at the West Dalhousie Community Hall for scores of volunteer firefighters, DNR firefighters, DNR support staff and officials with provincial mobile communications, EHS, the RCMP and Department of Transportation. The community hall is also the command centre.Article content Community volunteers Angie Durling, left, (an evacuee) and Jonathon Gillis, president of the West Dalhousie Community Centre, prepare meals for fire crews and support personnel during the Aug.16-17 weekend. Photo by Province of Nova ScotiaArticle content“People are scared, and people are nervous and anxious,” Enslow said. “But as time goes on, we’re going to continue to provide as much support and provide whatever we can to people that are affected.”Article content Justin Oliver, of the Bridgetown Volunteer Fire Department, stands on a truck to brief local firefighters before they begin their work at the Long Lark wildfire during the Aug.16-17 weekend. Photo by Province of Nova ScotiaArticle contentOn Aug. 16, a local state of emergency was declared in Annapolis County. Smoke from the fire could be easily seen from as far away as Digby in the daytime and even the glow of flames could be seen at night from across the Annapolis Valley on the North Mountain.Article contentArticle contentRain was forecast for overnight Aug. 17-18.Article contentArticle contentHe said the ground is so dry and crusty, it would take a good day of rain to break the crust and let the water sink into the ground.Article contentAnd the rest of the week is calling for a mix of sun and clouds without much precipitation to speak of.Article contentArticle contentSmokeArticle contentFire departments, particularly in central Nova Scotia, have received calls about smoke. The Wolfville Fire Department provided these things to check before calling 911:Article content• Is the smoke widespread or hazy throughout the area, rather than a distinct column?Article content• Do you smell smoke both indoors and outdoors, even when you step away from your home?Article contentArticle content• Is there visible information from provincial updates or alerts about wildfire smoke in the region?Article contentThe department said people should call 911 when:Article content• If you see a well-defined column of smoke, flames, or a concentrated area of heavy smoke that appears local.Article content• If you notice smoke coming directly from a building, vehicle, or wooded area nearby.Article content• If you are ever unsure and believe there may be an immediate fire threat.Article contentArticle contentHelping outArticle contentThe Salvation Army is accepting donations in support of those evacuated due to the Long Lake wildfire. The most helpful items as of Aug. 17 were gift cards for gas, groceries or restaurants or Walmart gift cards. The Salvation Army said it cannot accept perishable food.Article contentThe donation centre is located at 17 Rink St. in Bridgetown. It will be open Aug. 18 and 19 from 1-4 p.m.Article content
Shelter available for wildfire evacuees at NSCC in Middleton
