West Dalhousie Wildfire Evacuation Reception Centre: Click Here for more information or to register.
August 24, 2025
6:25pm:
The Long Lake wildfires complex is still out of control and growing. New size estimate won’t be possible until there is less smoke and aircraft have a chance to break from firefighting and get a new measurement.
The fire has crossed West Dalhousie Road at several points, crossed Thorne Road, and moved as far as Paradise Lake. Evacuation of Morse and Thorne roads has been expanded. Possible further evacuations may be needed.
Same air and ground crews are fully engaged in fighting the fire. Some firefighters needed to relocate for safety but still actively engaged. Structure protection is in place and all efforts are being made to save homes and other structures. Next update tomorrow morning.
Possible Expanded Evacuation: High risk of fire spreading. Highway 10 and all streets around Trout, Zwicker and East Lakes, New Albany; Old Liverpool Rd, Che-Boag-A-Nish Rd and all of West Dalhousie Rd in Albany Cross.
Be prepared to evacuate in the event an evacuation order is given. Avoid the area if not affected. Stay tuned to local news and follow directions of local authorities.
EVACUATION ORDER EXPANDED: Evacuation Order Expanded - Morse Rd./Thorne Rd. Also, includes civic #s 49, 77, and 321 Neaves Rd.
Air Quality Alert for Annapolis County -
Due to the West Dalhousie Wildfires, air quality is reduced and expected to remain poor today across Annapolis County.
NS POWER MESSAGE:
Message From NS Power:
We've been working closely with emergency officials since the Long Lake wildfire began in West Dalhousie. To support the firefighting efforts,
there may be times when we need to temporarily turn off power in the area of Morse Road so that first responders can work safely around our equipment.
A power outage does not mean your home is at risk or that evacuation is required. Please continue to follow the guidance provided by Annapolis REMO -Regional Emergency Management Organization.
Please be advise, the outrage may occur without warning.
1:10pm:
Long Lake wildfires complex is still out of control and likely to grow beyond current estimated 3255 hectares with extreme fire conditions today. All efforts are being
made to save homes.
Incident command post is relocated and operating in Bridgetown. Same air and ground crews continue to focus on West Dalhousie area while heavy machinery works on flanks. Next update this evening.
9:45am:
Long Lake wildfires complex is still out of control. Growth beyond current estimated 3255 hectares is likely today due to extreme fire conditions. All efforts are being
made to save homes. Incident command post has moved to Bridgetown. Keeping people safe is our top priority.
Wind pushing fire toward West Dalhousie area, air and ground resources focusing efforts there. Aircraft include 6 helicopters, 6 planes plus bird dogs. Firefighters include 56 DNR, 62 Ontario and 54 local. Heavy machinery still working on flanks. Next update this afternoon.
August 23, 2025
Evacuee Shelter Transitions to Comfort Centre6:30pm:
New estimated size of the Long Lake wildfires complex is 3255 hectares based on more precise measuring this morning. The fire is still out of control and there may be
more growth based on fire activity and challenging conditions this afternoon.
Same aircraft, firefighters and heavy machinery still on scene. Still no reports of damage to homes. Next update tomorrow morning.
12:30pm: The Long Lake wildfires complex is still out of control.
No new size estimate yet. Still no homes damaged. Same resources still on scene working on dozer
guards and soaking areas around the perimeter of the fire zone. Next update this evening.
10:30am:The Long Lake wildfires complex is still out of control. Official size estimate is still 3210 hectares, crews aiming to do a new precise measurement today. Still no
homes damaged.
Crews continue working on dozer guards and soaking areas around the perimeter of the fire zone. Conditions look promising today to continue making progress before the wind picks up from Hurricane Erin.
On scene today are 52 DNR, 62 Ontario and 42 local firefighters – PEI firefighters have returned home, we thank them for their help. Also on scene are 6 helicopters, 6 planes and bird dogs, and more than 30 heavy equipment operators. Next update this afternoon.
August 22, 2025
Air Quality Alert:
https://alertable.ca/#/details/2025/451091
State of Local Emergency Renewed
6:10pm:The Long Lake wildfires complex is still out of control. A new size estimate reflecting some growth is likely once crews have a chance to measure again, TBD when that can be done. Still no homes damaged.
Despite difficult conditions, firefighters worked all day to shore up dozer guards on the north side of the fire and continue building them in other strategic spots. Aircraft focused on supporting ground crews with this work. Next update tomorrow morning.
1:00pm: Firefighters and aircraft continue working on the Long Lake wildfires complex. It is still out of control and size has grown slightly to 3212 hectares. Still no homes
damaged.
All aircraft are still on scene along with 52 DNR, 42 Ontario, 5 PEI and 45 local firefighters. As wind picks up from hurricane Erin, some resources may need to stand down. The safety of firefighters, pilots and support staff is our top priority. Next update this evening.
10:00am: Work continues on the Long Lake wildfires complex to be as prepared as possible for the strong, shifting winds expected from hurricane Erin starting today and through
the weekend. The fire is still out of control and estimated at 3210 hectares. No damage to homes to date.
Dozer guards are complete around the northern border, work continues on flanks where possible. Crews are also working on putting out hot spots and soaking with hose lines along borders. The aim is to limit spread and protect homes.
On the scene today are 52 DNR, 42 Ontario, 5 PEI and 44 local firefighters, along with 6 contracted helicopters, 6 planes (4 802s from NWT and 2 CL415s from Manitoba) plus bird dogs. Next update this afternoon.
August 21, 2025
6:16pm:
The fire size and status remain the same. Crews have nearly completed dozer guards around the northern border of the Long Lake wildfires complex to help protect homes
when hurricane Erin arrives. Still no reports of damage to homes.
Firefighters on scene today include 52 DNR, 44 local, 22 Ontario and 5 PEI. Additional firefighters from Ontario arrived tonight, and more expected tomorrow.
Helicopters on scene today include 1 206, 1 AStar, 3 Bell 212. 2 tankers groups with bird dogs on scene, a CL415 group from Manitoba and an 802 group from NWT. A 205 helicopter arrived tonight. Next update tomorrow morning.
The Evacuation Reception Centre & Shelter at NSCC – Annapolis Valley Campus (295 Commercial St., Middleton) will remain open 24 hours a day on Thursday, August 21, and Friday, August 22.
The Centre provides:
- Showers & laundry facilities
- Wi-Fi access
- Light nourishment & snacks
- Overnight accommodations
After Friday, the County will reassess if 24-hour operations are still needed based on usage of the facility. If it is not being utilized, alternative arrangements may be explored to ensure the most effective use of resources while continuing to meet evacuee needs. The Reception Centre can quickly return to 24-hour service, if the need arises.
For more information, call the public information line at 1-833-806-1515; staffed daily 11am-7pm.
Crews have nearly completed dozer guards around the northern border of the Long Lake wildfires complex aiming to protect homes from the impacts of hurricane Erin. The fire size and status remain the same. Still no reports of damage to homes.
Firefighters on scene this morning include 52 Department of Natural Resources, 44 local, 22 Ontario and five PEI. Additional Ontario firefighters are arriving today.
Helicopters on scene today include one 206, one AStar, and three Bell 212. Two tankers groups with bird dogs on scene, a CL415 group from Manitoba and an 802 group from NWT.
The next update will be this afternoon.
August 20, 2025
7:00pm
DNR Update: Crews have nearly completed dozer guards around the northern border of the Long Lake wildfires complex to protect homes when hurricane Erin arrives. The
fire size and status remain the same. Still no reports of damage to homes.
Same resources on the fire through evening. 3 CL215T planes from Alberta that are on loan to New Brunswick came to make a quick strike this afternoon.
New air resources arrived today. 1 AStar350B2 and 2 212 helicopters contracted from Saskatchewan and 2 CL415 planes lent by Manitoba will be stationed at Greenwood. Next update tomorrow morning.
1:00pm: Long Lake wildfires complex same size/status. Same ground and air resources working this afternoon. Crews making good progress with heavy equipment to build dozer
guards around the flanks. Efforts focused on protecting homes when hurricane Erin arrives. Next update this evening.
10:30am: The Long Lake wildfires complex is still out of control and estimated at 3210 hectares. There are still no reports of damage to homes. Crews are still working on dozer guards. Firefighters on scene this morning include 52 Department of Natural Resources, 22 Ontario and 39 local.
The four Northwest Territories planes and one contracted helicopter are on the scene this morning. Air resources should be arriving today from Manitoba (planes) and Saskatchewan (helicopters). Ontario firefighters are also arriving this evening. The next update will be this afternoon.
Air Quality: Wildfire smoke and your health
As wildfires burn through forests and grasslands, they produce smoke. Smoke can be a major source of air pollution for people in Canada.
Wildfire smoke may be carried thousands of kilometres from the fire zone. This means smoke can impact air quality in areas close to and far away from the wildfire.
Wildfire Smoke HealthWildfire Smoke - Air Quality tips
August 19, 2025
Updated Hours Evacuation Reception Centre & Shelter- Click here to learn more.
6:30pm: The Long Lake wildfires complex is still out of control and gaining intensity today. There was some minimal growth south of Five Finger Lake, although the official size estimate remains 3210 hectares. Still no reports of damage to homes.
Crews are still working on dozer guards. Firefighters include 93 DNR, 22 Ontario and 25 local. More firefighters from Ontario expected to arrive tomorrow.
Air resources include 4 NTW planes and 1 contracted helicopter. 3 CL215T planes from Alberta that are on loan to New Brunswick came to make a quick strike this afternoon. More air resources expected on scene tomorrow. Next update in morning.
11:00am: No change in size (3210 hectares) or status of the Long Lake wildfires complex. Crews are continuing work today on dozer guards while firefighters and air resources work on fire suppression. Still no reports of damage to homes.
Air resources include 4 NTW planes and 1 contracted helicopter. Ground resources include 93 DNR, 22 Ontario and 25 local firefighters. Next update this evening.
August 18, 2025
Special Air Quality Statement in effect for: Annapolis County
Smoke from a nearby wildfire is reducing local air quality.
Location: Annapolis and Queens Counties.
6:45 pm:
DNR Update: The Long Lake wildfires complex is still estimated at 3210 hectares. It has crossed the West Dalhousie Road near Fairns Road. Crews are making good progress
on dozer guards around the flanks. Still no reports of damage to homes.
On the ground are 93 DNR, 22 Ontario, 5 PEI and 49 local firefighters. Air resources this evening include 4 NWT planes, 1 contracted helicopter, and an air tanker group coming from New Brunswick to make a quick strike. Next update in morning.
10:30am:
The Long Lake wildfires complex grew overnight to an estimated 2063 hectares. No reports of damage to homes at this time. A few campers/trailers lost.
Air resources
include 4 NWT planes and 2 contracted helicopters. On the ground are 77 DNR, 22 Ontario, 5 PEI. Local firefighters taking a much needed break, with 10 on scene this morning. Next update this afternoon.
August 17, 2025
8:00pm
The Long Lake wildfires complex has grown to an estimated 1977 hectares. It has advanced past Godfrey Lake to the intersection of Fairns and West Dalhousie roads on one
side, and to the south side of Spectacle Lakes on the other.
Large ground force of 77 DNR, 20 Ontario, 5 PEI and 120 local firefighters fighter the fire and working to saving homes, along with sprinklers set up in advance. No reports of structure damage to date.
The 2 contracted helicopters are dropping water. The 4 NWT planes were diverted to knock down new fire at Simonds Lake, Digby Co. this evening and returned to base for the night. Next update in morning.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Long Lake wildfire is still out of control with the potential to grow.
If a wildfire threatens your home, you will need to leave quickly. Follow direction of local authorities and have grab-and-go bags prepared for everyone you live with including pets.
Department of Natural Resources Update: Long Lake wildfire still out of control and has grown to estimated 1101 hectares. Wind has shifted, fire moving back towards West Dalhousie Road area. Sprinklers on all homes, other protection measures in place. More evacuations possible.
Resources on scene this morning include two contracted helicopters supporting 57 DNR, 5 PEI, 39 local firefighters. DNR crew of 20 back from NB and crew of 20 arrived from Ontario, all being deployed to Long Lake complex.
Aiming to get 4 802 skimmers from NWT into action today. These aircraft are typically most effective and used in morning and evening. Next update in this afternoon.
August 16, 2025
State of Local Emergency Declared - Click here to lean more.
8:00pm DNR Update: Long Lake wildfire still out of control and has grown to estimated 1,000 hectares. Two contracted helicopters are supporting 57 DNR, 5 PEI and 49 local firefighters.
Since our last post, we learned 4 skimmers (802s) from NWT were still preparing today, not able to work on fires. They will start tomorrow. We are aiming to keep them in NS for at least a week.
NS Emergency Management: Updated map of evacuation area and relative size of the Long Lake fires in West Dalhousie, Annapolis County. Note: the evacuation zone has not expanded because there are no homes or structures to evacuate in the area where the fire grew beyond the evacuation zone border.

NS Dept. of Natural Resources Update: Long Lake wildfire still out of control. Size remains estimated at 807 hectares. Aircraft dropping water this afternoon include 1
contracted helicopter and 4 802 fixed wing skimmers from NWT. Ground crews are 44 DNR, 5 fire crew from PEI DNR and 30 local firefighters.
Hoyt Lake (estimated 0.1 hectare) is now under control. 3 DNR firefighters remain on Hoyt working to extinguish. Next update on Long Lake complex this evening.
Nova Scotia Government:
There are multiple fires across the province -- this post will be updated throughout the day.
LONG LAKE FIRE COMPLEX, ANNAPOLIS COUNTY, AUGUST 16, 2:30 PM
Long Lake wildfire is still out of control. The size remains estimated at 807 hectares. Aircraft dropping water this afternoon include one contracted helicopter and four 802 fixed wing skimmers from NWT. Ground crews are 44 DNR, 5 fire crew from PEI DNR, and 30 local firefighters.
Hoyt Lake (estimated at 0.1 hectare) is now under control. Three DNR firefighters remain on site working to extinguish the fire. Next update on Long Lake complex this evening.
PERCH LAKE ROAD, PICTOU COUNTY, AUGUST 16, 2:30 PM
The Perch Lake Road fire is now under control. It is estimated at 1.5 hectares. Ground crews are four DNR and 16 local fire fighters working to extinguish it. A dozer line has been established around the entire perimeter. This will be the final update on this fire.
LONG LAKE FIRE COMPLEX, ANNAPOLIS COUNTY, AUGUST 16, NOON
Our pilot is doing well and we appreciate the outpouring of support from Nova Scotians. Our crews on the ground are doing well and keeping up the fight on the fire.
The Long Lake wildfire is still out of control. The new size estimate is 807 hectares. Aircraft dropping water this morning include two contracted helicopters. Ground crews are 44 DNR, five fire crew from PEI DNR and 30 local firefighters.
Hoyt Lake (estimated 1 hectare) is being held. Three DNR firefighters are on site. The next update on Long Lake complex will be this afternoon.
PERCH LAKE ROAD, PICTOU COUNTY, AUGUST 16, NOON
Crews are responding to a fire in the vicinity of Perch Lake Rd, Pictou County. It is estimated at 1.5 hectares and is being held. Ground crews are 7 DNR and 15 local fire fighters. A dozer line has been established around the entire perimeter.
August 15, 2025
Important Information for West Dalhousie Evacuees - see QR code above
The West Dalhousie Wildfire Emergency Reception and Shelter has been relocated from the Bridgetown Fire Hall (31 Bay Rd.) to the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) – Annapolis Valley Campus (295 Commercial St., Middleton); opened 24hrs. Evacuees can also register online
www.annapoliscounty.ca (West Dalhousie Wildfires - Update).
The Bridgetown location will no longer be open after 6:00PM, August 15th.
Final update of the day from NS Government: (7:25pm)
We unfortunately need to share that a DNR helicopter crashed while working on the Long Lake wildfires this afternoon. The pilot has been rescued and taken for medical assessment. We thank everyone who helped, and our brave DNR & local crews who continue to fight these fires.
Long Lake wildfire still out of control. Still about 406 hectares. Air resources dropping water this evening include 1 DNR helicopter, 2 contracted helicopters. Ground crews include 44 DNR and 60 local firefighters. Fire break work continues.
Hoyt Lake (estimated 1 hectare) is being held. 3 DNR firefighters on Hoyt. Next update on Long Lake complex tomorrow morning.
(4pm)
Long Lake wildfire still out of control. Still about 406 hectares. Air resources dropping water this afternoon include 2 DNR helicopters, 2 contracted helicopters and 2 CL415 planes from Quebec. Ground crews include 44 DNR and 60 local firefighters. Fire break work continues. Hoyt Lake (estimated 1 hectare) is still being held. 3 DNR firefighters on Hoyt. Next update on Long Lake complex this evening. Durland Lake Brook (estimated 0.5 hectares) is now under control. 5 DNR and 23 local firefighters working to extinguish. This is our last update on Durland.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
(1pm)
Fire remains out of control and estimated at 406 hectares. Map will be updated as the situation changes.

Mandatory Evacuation Order– Expanded by The County of Annapolis.
Dalhousie Rd. Intersection to 484 Morse Rd;
West Dalhousie Rd. 4530 to 6186;
Thorne Rd. 2648 to 3408;
Medicraft Ln. 122, 126, 126 (Unit 2)
Heartland Rd. 1390, 1395, 1423, 1426, and 1842
Evacuate the area immediately. Staying may result in injury or loss of life. Check in at Bridgetown Fire Hall, 31 Bay Rd. Take your 72-hour kit and critical items (meds, wallet, keys). Avoid the area if not affected. Call 1-833-806-1515 for info.
Do not call 9-1-1 for updates.
Stay tuned to local news and follow directions of local authorities.
Alert in effect until further notice.
If you’ve been evacuated from the West Dalhousie Wildfire area and have questions about your pets, please call the Public Information Line at 1-833-806-1515.
August 14, 2025 10:23 am
Mandatory Evacuation – Issued by The County of Annapolis
West Dalhousie Road, civic #4094–5315, West Dalhousie
Evacuation due to wildfire. Leave the area immediately. Staying may result in injury or loss of life.
Mandatory Evacuation – Issued by The County of Annapolis
West Dalhousie Road, civic #4094–5315, West Dalhousie
Evacuation due to wildfire. Leave the area immediately. Staying may result in injury or loss of li
Instructions
- Take your 72-hour kit and critical items (meds, wallet, keys).
- Check in at Bridgetown Fire Hall, 31 Bay Rd.
- Avoid the area if not affected.
- Call 1-833-806-1515 for info.
- Do not call 911 for updates.
- Stay tuned to local news and follow directions of local authorities.
- Alert in effect until further notice.
Press Release - https://annapoliscounty.ca/government/news-media-releases/2201-west-dalhousie-wildfire-evacuation-order-issued
August 13, 2025, 10:57 pm
The wildfire in the West Dalhousie area is currently being monitored. An emergency number will be provided in the morning for inquiries, and regular updates will be provided as they become available