Additional aid from Newfoundland and Labrador arrived Tuesday night to help crews in southwestern Nova Scotia fight an out-of-control wildfire that a provincial official said could be caused by human activity.
Two helicopters fired on the flames throughout the day, and a CL-415 water bomber arrived in Nova Scotia before nightfall to help with the effort.
The Ministry of Natural Resources tweeted Tuesday night that the fire near Lake South Horse in eastern Yarmouth County is thought to have risen to about 1,000 hectares.
It is estimated that earlier in the day the fire, which started on Monday afternoon, is about 25 hectares.
In its latest update for the night, DNR said the crews worked until dark. Further updates were expected to be released on Wednesday.
Cara McCurdy, the department’s forest fire prevention officer, said no homes or businesses were in danger.
Because the area is so remote, the DNR brought a helicopter from Shubenakadie to central Nova Scotia to launch water on the flames.
The Ministry of Natural Resources announced at 5pm on Tuesday that the fire was estimated at 350 hectares. That figure rose to 1,000 hectares by Tuesday night. (Department of Natural Resources)
“We are concerned about the low humidity and the strong winds it will raise, so we sent an extra helicopter,” she said.
Two DNR crews from Shelburn and Yarmouth assisted, including 12 staff and two pilots.
“Fire crews are currently on the flanks and at the base of the fire, bypassing,” McCurdy said. “A fire of this size is miles long, so it will take some time for them to gain access.”
Here’s a look at the latest visible satellite circuit, where you can clearly see the forest fire in Horseshoe Lake.
Notice the winds blowing smoke west toward Yarmouth County.
A special air quality declaration is in force. pic.twitter.com/ECt4tM46aO
– @ryansnoddon
CBC meteorologist Ryan Snowden said weaker winds and higher humidity levels were expected on Wednesday, with a chance of light rain and rain.
“Conditions are really not ideal for crews today, with low humidity and cool east winds helping to ignite the fire,” Snowden said Tuesday.
“Unfortunately, there is no significant rainfall in the forecast until at least Sunday.”
Despite light rains in the short-term forecast, McCurdy said the DNR was “not optimistic”.
“We are preparing for tomorrow, as we did today,” she said.
The fire was burning in a remote area of Yarmouth County, full of conifers and swamps. (Tim Dusset / Facebook)
McCurdy said he suspected the fire was man-made because there had been no lightning recently.
“We are just asking residents to really respect the burning limits, which are published daily, not in the morning,” she said.
“Make sure you register every day at 2 o’clock to see if you are allowed to burn. Even if you’re allowed to burn and it’s windy, be careful where you have a pile of brushes or a campfire… because it’s super dry right now. ”
Environment Canada has issued a warning of increased levels of pollution for those who are under the wind from the fire. (Tim Dusset / Facebook)
Aaron Pottier, fire chief for the Quinan fire department, said Tuesday that because the fire was in a remote area, his department had not yet been called in to help fight the blaze.
Potie said there was a lot of smoke in the air in his community, about 20 kilometers south of the fire.
“At times it was thick, depending on where the wind was blowing, and at times it went down to the ground a little more. So there was a lot of smoke around dinner and around the community yesterday afternoon, “he said.
“The more the wind blows, the higher it seems to rise. This morning it comes and goes again. There’s a little smoke fog around, but it comes and goes and there’s definitely a smell of smoke in the air.”
DNR said on Tuesday that the fire was in a remote area and there is no immediate risk to homes or businesses. (Tim Dusset / Facebook)
Environment Canada has issued a warning of increased levels of pollution. According to the National Meteorological Service, satellite images on Monday night showed the fire was located about 40 kilometers northeast of Yarmouth.
The plume of smoke remained north of Yarmouth, but Environment Canada said it could also affect air quality near the Beaver River and Port Maitland.
“People may experience symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, headache or shortness of breath. Children, the elderly and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are at particular risk,” said a statement from Environment Canada.
Add Comment