Nova Scotia·NewCrews will be back at the scene of an out-of-control wildfire in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis County on Monday.CBC meteorologist Tina Simpkin says 15 to 20 millimetres of rain fell overnightCBC News · Posted: Aug 18, 2025 7:51 AM EDT | Last Updated: 1 minute agoAn aerial photo shows the West Dalhousie Community Centre, which is serving as the incident command post for the wildfire. Smoke from the Long Lake fire can be seen in the background. (Province of Nova Scotia)Crews will be back at the scene of an out-of-control wildfire burning in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis County today.The blaze near Long Lake remains out of control and has grown to an estimated 1,977 hectares, or roughly 20 square kilometres, the Department of Natural Resources said in an update posted to social media on Sunday evening.It said the wildfire had advanced past Godfrey Lake to the intersection of Fairns and West Dalhousie roads, near a number of homes that have been evacuated, and to the south side of Spectacle Lake.Officials have evacuated 107 homes in the West Dalhousie area, affecting roughly 215 people.Dustin Enslow, the deputy warden of the Municipality of the County of Annapolis, said rain that fell overnight is providing some hope for crews.”At this point, there hasn’t been any additional evacuations orders,” Enslow told CBC’s Information Morning Cape Breton on Monday morning.Joseph Daigle, a firefighter with the Department of Natural Resources, sprays down an area near the Long Lake wildfire. (Province of Nova Scotia)CBC meteorologist Tina Simpkin said between 15 and 20 millimetres of rain fell in the area of the wildfire overnight Sunday.Scott Tingley, manager of forest protection for the Natural Resources Department, said Sunday that while rain is appreciated, it wouldn’t be enough to make a measurable impact.Enslow said evacuees are on edge.”They are very anxious and nervous and worried about what’s to come, but at the same time, they are thankful for the support of everyone who is actually fighting the fire and the overwhelming support from the rest of Nova Scotia,” said Enslow.The update from Natural Resources said a large ground force of more than 200 firefighters — including 77 from the department, 120 local firefighters, 20 from Ontario and five from Prince Edward Island — were on the scene trying to save homes on Sunday night.Two contracted helicopters were dropping water on the fire, and as of 7:45 p.m. AT, there were no reports of damage to any structure.Smoke fills a field in East Gore, N.S., on Sunday. (Melissa Friedman)Tingley said sprinklers, hoses and barriers were in place to protect houses in the area.In a news release on Sunday afternoon, the federal government announced it has approved a request for assistance from Nova Scotia.The full extent of the resources that will be deployed is not yet known, but Eleanor Olszewski, the federal minister of emergency management and community resilience, said the government is working with the Canadian Armed Forces and other partners to “ensure Nova Scotia has the support it needs.”According to Patricia Jreige, spokesperson for Nova Scotia’s Department of Emergency Management, the province asked Ottawa for permission to use CFB Greenwood to land and refuel the four skimmer planes that have arrived from the Northwest Territories. Evacuees allowed to briefly return homeOver the weekend, evacuees were allowed to briefly return home with an escort to pick up clothes and grab essential items like medications.Enslow said Sunday that most of the people affected are staying with family and friends, but others have been camping.There are 13 wildfires burning in the province. Long Lake, which started last Wednesday, is the only one listed as out of control.Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index forecasts a low risk for much of the province for Monday and Tuesday. It forecasts a moderate risk for parts of the Annapolis Valley where smoke could be a factor.
Annapolis County wildfire continues to burn out of control despite rain overnight
