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West Dalhousie Wildfires: Updates - Last Update August 20, 2025
Evacuation Centre
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Daily Updates
August 20, 2025
August 19, 2025
August 18, 2025
August 17, 2025
August 16, 2025
August 15, 2025
August 14, 2025
August 13, 2025
West Dalhousie Wildfire Evacuation Reception Centre: Click on QR code shown below to register.
If you have been evacuated due to the West Dalhousie wildfire, please register at NSCC in Middleton or online, as soon as possible. Registration ensures we can account for everyone’s safety and determine if you require overnight accommodation.
Your cooperation helps us coordinate resources and keep our community safe.
Please direct inquiries to 1-833-806-1515 (staffed daily from 11am – 7pm)
Online Registration, scan the QR Code or click here.
DAILY UPDATES
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.
LONG LAKE FIRE COMPLEX, ANNAPOLIS COUNTY, AUGUST 20, 10 AM
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.
Wildfire Smoke
To read more about the impact of Wildfire Smoke on your health, click here.
August 19, 2025
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.
West Dalhousie Wildfire: Updated Hours for Evacuation Reception Centre & Shelter
Effective Tuesday, August 19th, the Evacuation Reception Centre & Shelter located at NSCC – Annapolis Valley Campus in Middleton (295 Commercial St.) will operate daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Centre provides evacuees with meals, access to facilities including showers and laundry, and serves as a supply pick-up location.
“Registration ensures we can account for everyone’s safety and determine if evacuees require overnight accommodation,” said Warden Diane Le Blanc. “Your cooperation helps us coordinate resources and keep our community safe.”
Overnight accommodations will continue to be available 24/7. If evacuees require assistance after hours, they are asked to call 1-800-222-9597 to be connected with the Red Cross.
Residents are urged to monitor official updates from the Annapolis Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO) and other government sources. For public information related to the wildfire and evacuation supports, call 1-833-806-1515 (staffed daily from 11am – 7pm).
“On behalf of Annapolis County Council, I want to thank our residents for their cooperation and resilience during the West Dalhousie wildfires,” said Warden Le Blanc. “Our communities have once again shown their incredible spirit—giving generously of their time, resources, and hearts. Your safety and wellbeing will always be our priority.”
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.
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.
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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.
https://novascotia.ca/.../emergency-kit-checklist-en.pdf
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.
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.
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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;
Thorne Rd. 2648 to 3408;
Medicraft Ln. 122, 126, 126 (Unit 2).
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