West Dalhousie Wildfires: Updates
West Dalhousie Wildfire Relief Program: Click Here for more information.
Daily County Media Video Conferences
September 6, 2025
September 5, 2025
Council Extends State of Local Emergency
12:30 pm: The Long Lake wildfires complex is still out of control and estimated at 8468 hectares. No new reports of damage. Morale is high as crews make good progress around the perimeter. Aircraft drop water making it safe for ground crews to tie in hose lines, advance inward on the fire.
Resources on hand include 10 helicopters, 4 planes and a bird dog. Firefighters on site: 24 DNR, 39 Ontario, 40 Quebec, 60 local, along with about 30 pieces of heavy machinery. Next update around midday tomorrow.
September 4, 2025
Navigator Program Introduced to Support Evacuees
12:45pm - The Long Lake wildfires complex remains out of control, still estimated at 8468 hectares. No new reports of damage. Crews have made good progress with dozer guards and laying hose lines, and aircraft water drops were very successful yesterday.
September 3, 2025
Evacuee Shelter Transitioning to Standby Status - Sept. 4th
12:30pm - The Long Lake wildfires complex remains out of control, still estimated at 8468 hectares. No new reports of damage. Re-entry for some evacuees begins today, visit https://annapoliscounty.ca/ for more details.
Crews wrapping up work on the northern end of the fire, this area has solid protections in place. Aircraft will monitor for any changes in this area that would require crews to move back to protect structures.
Crews and machinery are repositioning to the fire’s southern end to build additional dozer guards and protections. Aircraft are dropping large amounts of water in this area.
10 helicopters, 4 planes and a bird dog in action. Firefighters on site: 4 DNR, 61 Ontario, 40 Quebec, 65 local, along with about 50 pieces of heavy machinery. Next update around midday tomorrow
September 2, 2025
Provincial Press release - Partial re-entry of Evacuation Order. Click here to view Re-entry Information Package.

September 1, 2025
12:00pm: The Long Lake wildfires complex is still out of control and still estimated at 8465 hectares. No new reports of damage. Crews are working hard while favourable weather lasts, aiming to get a line of fire breaks around the entire perimeter of the fire zone.
The southern end of the fire is the most active area and fire intensity increased with wind today. Helicopters are dropping water on this area so ground crews can safely enter to continue tying up the perimeter and advance inward on the fire.
Manitoba’s CL415 planes are being released, they are replaced by 2 black hawk helicopters which are more effective for current needs. 2 other helicopters were released, so total is still 10 working on the fire. The 4 NWT 802 planes with bird dog are still in use.
DNR firefighters getting a break. 61 Ontario, 40 Quebec and 61 local firefighters are working on the fire, along with about 50 pieces of heavy machinery. Next update around midday tomorrow.
August 31, 2025
https://novascotia.ca/alerts/docs/Long-Lake.pdf
We cannot show hot spots within it, they appear and are knocked down by aircraft/crews too frequently.
August 30, 2025
August 29, 2025
August 28, 2025
We are heartbroken to share that 20 homes were lost in the West Dalhousie Wildfires. Learn more at https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/08/28/twenty-homes-lost-long-lake-wildfires
4:00pm: The Long Lake wildfires complex is still out of control, still estimated is 8234 hectares. No new reports of damage to homes or other structures.
August 27, 2025
4:25pm: The Long Lake wildfires complex is still out of control. A more precise estimate is now 8247 hectares. No further news on damage. Air and ground crews continue to focus on the east side of Paradise Lake, also working around the entire perimeter.
August 26, 2025
5:00pm: No change in the size or status of the Long Lake wildfires complex. Assessment of Sunday’s damage is ongoing. Beyond that, no new reports of damage to homes.
Crews and heavy equipment are making progress, working around perimeter, focusing on the east side of Paradise Lake. While planes were grounded this morning due to weather, they are now up and working along with the helicopters. Next update up tomorrow morning.
10:30am The Long Lake wildfires complex is still out of control, still estimated at 8026 hectares. Assessment of Sunday’s damage is ongoing. We will not share structure loss numbers until all affected residents have been informed. Beyond that, no new reports of damage to homes.
Provincial Media Video Conference
Provincial news release: Home Damaged by Long Lake Wildfires
Annapolis County news release: Heartfelt Support Amidst Reports of Structural Damage in West Dalhousie Wildfire
6:30pm: The Long Lake wildfires complex is still out of control and now estimated at 8026 hectares. The fire has advanced along both sides of Paradise Lake. Assessment of yesterday’s damage is ongoing. Beyond that, no new reports of damage to homes.
12:00pm: The Long Lake wildfires complex is still out of control. Many homes have been saved. Despite best efforts, some have been damaged. Assessment is needed before we can provide a number. Once information is confirmed, affected residents will be told first. Please respect their privacy.
August 24, 2025
As of 9:53 PM, August 24th, the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) in Middleton is 11 (Very High Risk)
Air Quality Standards (PurpleAir)
The expanded evacuation area includes Hwy 10 between Crisp Rd. and West Dalhousie Rd. 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. This includes:
500-821 Adams Rd., 3-9 Als Lane, 4-71 Broad Lake Rd., 50-212 Che-Boag-A-Nish Rd., 3-16 Cottage Haven Rd., 2-22 Crocker Rd., 3-79 Dusty Lane, 110-244 East Lake Rd., 102-376 Eves Rd., 2-40 George Rd., 4384-6792 Highway 10, 1-11 Hillside Dr., 41-141 Lady Slipper Rd., 9- 30 Lake Front Rd., 105-191 Mill Pond Rd., 11-207 Narrows Rd., 8-54 Pine Grove Dr., 1-9 Redwood Lane, 181-207 Shady Lane, 173-278 Squirreltown Rd., 83-127 Stephen Yarr Dr., 90-140 Sunnyside Dr., 60-66 Timber Dr., 1291-1473 Tree Line Dr., 992-1775 Trout Lake Rd., 6954-7857 West Dalhousie Rd., and 2-271 Zwickers Lake Rd.


Due to the ongoing West Dalhousie - Long Lake Wildfire situation, the following roads are closed until further notice:
Highway 10 (Trunk 10) – Closed from Crisp Road south to the intersection with West Dalhousie Road (both directions).
Motorists are asked to avoid the area. Conditions can change quickly due to the fire, and updates will be shared as they become available.
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.
EVACUATION ORDER EXPANDED: Evacuation Order Expanded - Morse Rd./Thorne Rd. Also, includes civic #s 49, 77, and 321 Neaves Rd.
NS POWER MESSAGE:
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:
9:45am:
August 23, 2025
6:30pm:
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.
August 22, 2025
Air Quality Alert: https://alertable.ca/#/details/2025/451091
State of Local Emergency Renewed
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.
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.
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.
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.
Updates are also posted to www.NovaScotia.ca/Alerts
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.
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 Health
Wildfire 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.
August 18, 2025
6:45 pm:
10:30am:
August 17, 2025
8:00pm
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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.
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.
Nova Scotia Government:
August 15, 2025
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)
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(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;
Medicraft Ln. 122, 126, 126 (Unit 2)
Heartland Rd. 1390, 1395, 1423, 1426, and 1842
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