Department of Natural Resources pilot Dave Farrell refuels his helicopter in this photo from May 2023. His family confirmed that he was in a helicopter crash while fighting the Long Lake wildfire in West Dalhousie on Friday. Photo by Nova Scotia government/FacebookArticle contentThe pilot who was involved in a helicopter crash on Friday while fighting the Long Lake wildfire in West Dalhousie is preparing for surgery on Saturday.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 contentHis family confirmed that Department of Natural Resources (DNR) pilot Dave Farrell was involved in the crash.Article contentArticle contentArticle content“The pilot was conscious and talking with firefighters who quickly reached the aircraft,” reads the statement.Article contentArticle content“By 6 p.m., he was rescued from his aircraft and taken for medical assessment.”Article contentHis family said Farrell lives in Brentwood, and it appears he flies out of nearby Stewiacke.Article contentIn a social media post on Saturday, DNR said: “Our pilot is doing well and we appreciate the outpouring of support from Nova Scotians. Our crews on the ground are doing well and keeping up the fight on the fire.”Article contentArticle contentOur pilot is doing well and we appreciate the outpouring of support from Nova Scotians. Our crews on the ground are doing well and keeping up the fight on the fire. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/YOPzjhnYWC — Natural Resources (@NS_DNR) August 16, 2025Article contentThe crash happened in the area of Five Finger Lake, and only Farrell was on board. Two DNR helicopters, two contracted helicopters and two CL 415 ‘super scooper’ waterbombers have been working on the Long Lake Fire. The fire is estimated at over 400 hectares in size.Article contentOver 100 homes have been evacuated as crews fight the fire.Article content
Pilot in helicopter crash preparing for surgery
