Tanker group of CL-415 planes from Alberta, lent by New Brunswick, scoop water from Long Lake to drop on the wildfire complex in West Dalhousie. Photo by Province of Nova Scotia /Province of Nova ScotiaArticle contentIt is still too dangerous to allow evacuees escorted access to their West Dalhousie homes, says the municipality’s deputy mayor.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 content“We’ll let people know if it gets safe enough … that they can go escorted to their home to get certain items,” Dustin Enslow said during an afternoon news conference hosted by the County of Annapolis on Aug. 20.Article contentArticle contentThe last day people had escorted access was Saturday, Aug. 16. While some campers/trailers were destroyed in the fire, no homes have been damaged.Article contentArticle contentThe Long Lake wildfire, which started Aug. 13 from a lightning strike, is now in its second week. It didn’t grow overnight, remaining at 3,210 hectares.Article contentCrews are using heavy equipment to create dozer guards around the flanks to try to contain the out-of-control fire.Article contentAndrew Mitton, director of regional operations with the Department of Emergency Management, said 61 structures were being protected by sprinklers. A half a million gallons of water has been used to keep the structure and surrounding property wet.Article content“It’s worked well,” he said.Article contentThe sprinkler systems are from Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Services and municipal fire departments.Article contentEnslow and Warden Diane LeBlanc had a meeting at the command centre on Aug. 20.Article content“The spirits are extremely high,” Enslow said. “It’s a well-organized machine.”Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentRegistrationArticle contentThe municipality continues to ask evacuees to register with the Canadian Red Cross at the Nova Scotia Community College Middleton Campus or on the county’s website. So far, 82 households and 152 people have registered out of the 107 homes that were evacuated.Article contentRegistration information will only by used by county staff to communicate with evacuees. They need the information to communicate things like escorted entry, returns and if a dwelling is damaged.Article content“We’re still encouraging people to reach out to get your name on that list,” Enslow said.Article contentArticle contentState of emergencyArticle contentThe seven-day local state of emergency was put in place Aug. 16.Article contentEnslow said council would have a meeting before Aug. 23 to make a decision on extending or dropping the order. It is receiving advice from the Department of Natural Resources.Article content After fighting fires in the area, Northwest Territories Forest Management team lands for fuel, repairs and rest for the night at 14 Wing Greenwood on Aug. 16, 2025. Photo by Cpl. Lyndsay Brolly /Canadian Armed ForcesArticle contentArticle contentPreparationArticle contentEnslow said the Annapolis Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO) has plans ready to enact that officials hope are never needed.
No escorted access to homes today for Long Lake wildfire evacuees
