The Canadian Red Red is operating emergency lodging at the Nova Scotia Community College in Middleton for people impacted by the Long Lake wildfire. It is closing at 5 p.m. on Aug. 23 and a comfort centre will be opening Aug. 24 in Bridgetown. Photo by Lawrence Powell /Annapolis Valley RegisterArticle contentThe location of where Long Lake wildfire evacuees can access services is changing.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentCounty of Annapolis Deputy Warden Dustin Enslow said the reception centre and shelter, located at the Nova Scotia Community College in Middleton, would be closing at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23.Article contentArticle contentA comfort centre would open Sunday, Aug. 24, at 10 a.m. at the Bridgetown Fire Hall, located at 31 Bay Rd. It will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. moving forward.Article contentArticle contentEnslow said the municipality was pivoting to meet the needs of the 107 West Dalhousie households that have been evacuated.Article content“We weren’t seeing a whole lot of people utilizing the services in Middleton,” he said during an Aug. 23 news conference. “We did at the beginning. It was slowly petering down as people found different ways to do things.”Article contentRed Cross services and overnight accommodations are still available by calling 1-800-222-9597.Article contentThe comfort centre will provide amenities such as light nourishment, wifi and a place to charge electronic devices. Evacuees will be able to use the shower and washroom facilities at Valleyview Provincial Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. while the washrooms at Jubilee Park in Bridgetown will be open 24/7.Article contentArticle contentThe municipality is also partnering with the Wishy Washy laundromat, located at 31 Queen St. in Bridgetown, which is open 24/7. The Salvation Army will provide supplies to evacuees. The municipality was finalizing the payment agreement with the laundromat and was going to release those details when available.Article contentArticle contentMany of the evacuees are staying with friends and family. Enslow said having the services in the Bridgetown area might take some of the pressure of host families. He said the Middleton location was selected as there are different requirements, including generators, needed to be a reception centre and shelter.Article contentThere was no escorted re-entry for evacuees on Aug. 23.Article contentEnslow said some chickens were rescued on Aug. 22 and staff was working with an evacuee to get a cat from a home inside the evacuation zone. He noted there had been sightings of the cat and it had been eating.
Long Lake wildfire reception centre, shelter pivoting to comfort centre in Bridgetown
