An out-of-control wildfire in Nova Scotia is expected to spread Sunday, with authorities warning of “a challenging day” ahead in the province's Annapolis County.
Officials from the Department of Natural Resources say the Long Lake fire will likely intensify due to hot, windy, and dry weather conditions, and they have recommended more evacuations in the area.
Jim Rudderham, director of Fleet and Forest Protection, told reporters Sunday that "everything in fire behaviour that you don’t want is happening today."
The blaze, which began Aug. 13, is currently estimated to be approximately 32 square kilometres in size, with officials expecting it to grow this afternoon and overnight.
An emergency alert issued Sunday said the evacuation order now covers homes on Morse Road, between civic numbers 571 and 1073, and on Thorne Road, between numbers 4272 and 4291.
Authorities say they have moved their wildfire command post from West Dalhousie Road into the Bridgetown area as a precautionary measure.
“This is the day we’ve been planning for but hoping wouldn’t come true,” Scott Tingley, manager of Forest Protection, told reporters.
So far, no homes have been damaged in the fire.
Officials said 56 natural resources firefighters were being assisted by 62 firefighters from Ontario, 54 local volunteer firefighters and 34 additional support staff from the Department of Natural Resources, along with seven helicopters, four air tractors, two tankers and more than 30 heavy equipment operators.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, fire crews were taking advantage of clear skies and favourable winds as they continued battling a massive wildfire near Kingston.
The blaze, which is burning roughly 100 square kilometres, was being attacked by heavy-capacity helicopters now able to bucket water along the fire’s edge.
Meanwhile, two other significant wildfires in the province have been brought under control. The Paddy’s Pond fire near St. John's, estimated at three square kilometres, and the Martin Lake fire in central Newfoundland, which measured at about 16 square kilometres, are now considered contained.
Officials said an evacuation order for Perry's Cove has been lifted, while the area remains in a regional state of emergency.
Residents are being told that there is still an active wildfire in the area, and fire crews with equipment may be on site addressing hot spots.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 24, 2025.
Alex Nino Gheciu, The Canadian Press
