Long Lake Fire Being Held

USPA NEWS - Those evacuated from Annapolis County due to the Long Lake wildfires will be able to return home.
Saturday, September 20, Residents must report to the 484 Morse Rd. checkpoint with valid identification verifying their civic address for re-entry purposes.

Kim Masland, Minister of Emergency Management, announced, "I am pleased to hear that all remaining evacuees will return to their community over the weekend. The relief families must be feeling after being told they can return is palpable. Nevertheless, barricades will remain in place, allowing re-entry for residents only, while work and repairs continue on hazards in the area. Thorne Road remains closed from civic address 2762 to 3408. A state of local emergency remains in place in Annapolis County."

The active wildfire zone also remains barricaded and only staff responding to the wildfire are permitted in these areas. The decision to allow people to go back to their homes is based on an assessment of current fire behaviour, air quality and road access by the Department of Natural Resources. The Department changed the status of the wildfire to being held on September 8. That means the fire is not likely to grow or move as long as conditions do not change. It is still not under control and could still grow if conditions change, but the risk is low for the area where residents are allowed to return home. Roads will not be open to the general public because it is still an active wildfire zone.

Masland continued by saying, "We recognize that 20 families will be returning and determining their future plans. For those who have lost their homes, I offer my heartfelt condolences. Please know that the Province and the county are dedicated to supporting you through this difficult time."

Restoration of power for returning residents will take place once they have returned to their homes. Waste collection will start at 7 a.m. on Monday, September 22, and Thursday, September 25. More information is available on the County of Annapolis website: www.annapoliscounty.ca

LONG LAKE WILDFIRES COMPLEX, ANNAPOLIS COUNTY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2:40 PM. The Long Lake wildfires complex is currently being held at an estimated 8,468 hectares, with no new reports of damage.

Crews are diligently working to contain the fire, with infrared scans indicating significant progress despite adverse dry conditions. Resources currently deployed include three helicopters, four planes and a bird dog, five pieces of heavy equipment, and seven water tankers. The personnel on site comprise of 23 Department of Natural Resources firefighters, 18 from Quebec, 20 from Parks Canada, and 5 from PEI, supplemented by support staff.