An evacuation order has been issued for residents living near the Lake George wildfire in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, which has grown to an estimated 80 hectares and is now considered out of control.
In an emergency alert issued just after 6 p.m. Monday, residents from the southern to northern boundaries of Lake George in Kings County were told to evacuate their homes immediately.
An evacuation order has also been issued between Kingswood Camp and the Fox Mountain campground, from Old Mill Lane to Simpson Cove Lane, and from Simpson Cove Lane along both sides of North River Road to Aylesford Lake Beach.
“Take your pets, important documents and enough medication, food and emergency supplies,” the alert said.
A state of emergency has been declared in Kings County, and an emergency reception area and shelter has been established by the Canadian Red Cross at the Louis Millett Community Complex in New Minas.
All evacuees are being asked to register once they arrive.
Kings County Coun. Tim Harding, whose district includes the Lake George area, said the fire seemed under control until the wind shifted and conditions began to worsen Monday afternoon.
“The wind’s in our direction, so we just got asked to leave our homes and gather everything we can find and get out quick,” he said.
Harding estimated more than 100 homes may be affected by the evacuation order.
“You can see smoke right into Kentville from Lake George,” he said. “It’s a lot of smoke.”
In a social media post made at 5:25 p.m., Nova Scotia’s Department of Natural Resources said that dry and windy conditions have caused the wildfire to grow.
On Monday morning, DNR said on X that the fire was being held and was estimated to be about two hectares. It was first reported shortly after 3 p.m. on Sunday.
DNR and volunteer firefighters are on the scene, and water bombers from the Northwest Territories and New Brunswick are in use.
Two planes from Quebec are en route to provide further support, the DNR said.
