A thank you sign posted on Morse Road for those helping fight the Long Lake wildfire in West Dalhousie. Photo by Province of Nova ScotiaArticle contentDustin Enslow had a hard time putting into words what it meant to see thank you signs to those fighting the Long Lake wildfire.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 contentThe Nova Scotia government released two photos Aug. 21 taken along Morse Road in West Dalhousie. One was on a utility trailer while another, with a heart, was attached to a post.Article contentArticle content“In some ways, it makes you speechless,” said Enslow, the County of Annapolis’ deputy warden. “When we were driving to the site yesterday, and we saw those signs, I know that it kind of boosted me up.”Article contentArticle content People have made thank you signs on Morse Road to let those fighting the Long Lake wildfire in West Dalhousie how much they appreciate their efforts. Photo by Province of Nova ScotiaArticle contentThere is green grass in places within the evacuation zone as sprinklers have been set up to keep homes and properties wet.Article content“It truly shows that what they did, saved people’s homes,” Enslow said.Article contentThe fire is now in its second week after a lightning strike started the out-of-control blaze on Aug. 13. There have been 107 homes evacuated since the mandatory order was issued Aug. 14.Article content“It’s still kind of unreal it happened, but people’s sprits are in the right place,” Enslow said.Article content“Of course, they’re nervous about what they’re going back to, but at the same time they’re super proud of what has happened and what has been done to protect their houses.”Article contentArticle contentEnslow had to travel to Halifax early on Aug. 21. Travelling Highway 101, between Bridgetown and New Minas, he estimated 70 per cent of the westbound traffic was responding to the fire.Article contentArticle content“I was at a loss for words,” he said.Article content“It continues to amaze me how much we look after each other,” he added. “We are here to support each other.”Article content A communications tower being protected from the Long Lake wildfire is, surrounded by burned forest, in West Dalhousie. Photo by Province of Nova ScotiaArticle contentArticle contentState of emergencyArticle contentCouncil will hold an emergency meeting at 1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22, to discuss the local state of emergency.Article contentThe seven-day order went into effect on Aug. 16.Article contentEnslow said councillors will discuss the latest information, including the forecast, before deciding on whether or not to extend the order.Article contentEnslow said if people were permitted to return to their homes, the local state of emergency wouldn’t effect the return.Article content“I know that there will be some anxiety that if it is extended that means people will not be able to go home. That is not the case.”Article contentAnd even if the order was extended for seven days, council has the ability to end it at any time.Article content An aerial view of the northern flank of the Long Lake wildfire and the dozer guard. Photo by Province of Nova ScotiaArticle contentArticle contentSiteArticle contentThere was no escorted access inside the evacuation zone on Aug. 21.Article content“They are busy working on hurricane prep,” Enslow said.Article contentHe added Nova Scotia Power and telecommunications providers were inspecting their equipment. Nova Scotia Power said in an email to the Annapolis Valley Register that none of its infrastructure had been damaged.Article content
Thank you signs posted for crews fighting Long Life wildfire
