The pilot of a helicopter that crashed into a lake Friday afternoon while helping fight a wildfire in Annapolis County, N.S., is conscious and has been taken to hospital for evaluation.
The Department of Natural Resources helicopter was fighting an out-of-control wildfire near West Dalhousie, N.S., according to a release from the department.
The helicopter crashed into shallow water at Fivefinger Lake, which is located between Long Lake and Godfrey Lake, around 4:24 p.m. AT.
“The pilot was conscious and talking with firefighters who quickly reached the aircraft. By 6 p.m. he was rescued from his aircraft and taken for medical assessment,” the department said.
Citing privacy, the department is not releasing the pilot’s name.
Natural Resources said Transport Canada has been informed and will investigate the crash.
More than 100 homes have been evacuated as a result of the wildfire.
Fire origins
The fire broke out Wednesday on the north side of Long Lake, about 20 kilometres east of Annapolis Royal, N.S. The provincial Department of Natural Resources has said a lightning strike caused the fire.
On Friday afternoon, the province said the fire is estimated at 406 hectares or about four square kilometres — up from 300 hectares around noon Thursday.
