Nova Scotia’s largest wildfire has expanded in size as firefighters continue to battle shifting winds in the Annapolis Valley. The blaze, known as the Long Lake fire, grew to 32.5 square kilometres on Saturday, up from just over 32 square kilometres a day earlier, according to officials from the province’s Department of Natural Resources.
The increase followed wind changes late Friday, triggered by Hurricane Erin as it passed far offshore. Although the storm did not make direct landfall, its effects were felt inland. “We did have the hurricane affect us a little bit yesterday, but we did get through that better than we thought,” said Jim Rudderham, director of fleet and forest protection. He explained that while Nova Scotia avoided a direct hit, the hurricane caused a temporary shift in wind speed and direction.
By late Saturday, Hurricane Erin had transitioned to a post-tropical cyclone, positioned more than 780 kilometres east-southeast of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, with maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometres an hour, according to Environment Canada.
Despite the progress of suppression efforts, officials confirmed that the Long Lake fire remained out of control. “That status represents that we are just uncertain as to how much or whether this fire might grow given the current weather conditions,” said Scott Tingley, manager of forest protection. He noted that the focus remains on reinforcing fire perimeters, especially along the northern edge near the community of West Dalhousie, where homes are at risk.
Forecasts predict strong southerly winds on Sunday, further challenging crews already working around the clock. Rudderham added that while some rain is expected on Monday, it will take “extended rain for multiple days before it has any real good effect on this fire, or on the fire ban or the woods travel restriction.”
Currently, 52 provincial firefighters are supported by 62 firefighters from Ontario, 44 local volunteers, six helicopters, six water bombers, and 30 heavy equipment operators. Officials stressed that while resources are substantial, unpredictable winds remain a major concern.
Elsewhere in Atlantic Canada, firefighting efforts were also underway. In Newfoundland and Labrador, helicopters continued aerial suppression on the Kingston wildfire in Conception Bay North, supported by ground crews from Ontario, British Columbia, the Canadian Armed Forces, and local volunteers. A fire at Paddy’s Pond outside St. John’s was declared under control, while the Martin Lake fire in the central region was being held. Later Saturday, the province lifted evacuation orders for several communities, including Salmon Cove, Burnt Point, Gull Island, and areas north of Northern Bay Brook Bridge.
In New Brunswick, two wildfires remained out of control as of Saturday. The Beaver Lake Stream fire in Northumberland County was estimated at just over two square kilometres, while the Rocky Brook fire in Restigouche County measured 1.8 square kilometres.
Across the region, officials emphasized that changing weather conditions and high winds continue to pose the greatest risk for fire growth. For residents in affected areas, vigilance remains critical as firefighting teams work to keep the flames from reaching homes and communities.