An order to evacuate has been issued for residents near the Lake George wildfire in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, which has expanded to around 80 hectares and is now classified as unmanageable.
Residents living between the southern and northern boundaries of Lake George in Kings County were instructed to leave their homes immediately in an emergency alert issued shortly after 6 p.m. on Monday.
Additionally, an evacuation directive has been issued for the area between Kingswood Camp and the Fox Mountain campground, spanning from Old Mill Lane to Simpson Cove Lane, and from Simpson Cove Lane along both sides of North River Road to Aylesford Lake Beach.
The alert emphasized the importance of taking along pets, essential documents, an ample supply of medication, food, and emergency provisions.
A state of emergency has been declared in Kings County, with an emergency reception area and shelter set up by the Canadian Red Cross at the Louis Millett Community Complex in New Minas for evacuees to register upon arrival.
Tim Harding, a Kings County Counsellor representing the Lake George area, mentioned that the fire appeared to be under control until the wind changed direction, deteriorating conditions on Monday afternoon.
According to Harding, over 100 homes could be impacted by the evacuation order, with smoke visible from Lake George extending into Kentville.
The Department of Natural Resources in Nova Scotia stated in a social media update at 5:25 p.m. that the wildfire’s growth was attributed to dry and windy conditions.
Earlier on Monday, the Department of Natural Resources reported that the fire, initially estimated to be about two hectares, was contained. The fire was first reported shortly after 3 p.m. on Sunday.
DNR officials and volunteer firefighters are present at the scene, with water bombers from the Northwest Territories and New Brunswick actively engaged. Additional support is expected from two planes coming from Quebec.
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