Municipal authorities in Kings County are urging individuals to refrain from entering mandatory evacuation areas as the Lake George wildfire continues to burn uncontrollably.
Dave Corkum, mayor of the Municipality of the County of Kings, emphasized the importance of keeping away from the evacuation zones to ensure personal safety and the well-being of first responders. He highlighted the risks involved in venturing into these areas, particularly on ATVs.
An update released by the Department of Natural Resources on Monday indicated that the fire is “burning deep” and has expanded slightly to cover 288 hectares. Fortunately, no structures have been harmed by the blaze.
The update disclosed that a total of 35 Department of Natural Resources personnel, 23 local firefighters, 39 from British Columbia, two planes from Newfoundland and Labrador, four from the Northwest Territories, six helicopters, and 18 heavy machinery units are actively engaged at the scene.
Mayor Corkum expressed concerns about the challenging weather conditions, with temperatures anticipated to rise to the high 20s in Kings County. He noted the extreme dryness and the potential impact of increasing winds, posing significant challenges for firefighting efforts.
Over 350 residences and cottages surrounding Lake George and the western side of Aylesford Lake have been evacuated. Corkum confirmed that 205 households have registered at the Red Cross evacuation center in New Minas, with only a few individuals requiring overnight accommodation. Most evacuees are staying with relatives or in local hotels.
For their safety, no residents within the evacuation zones have been permitted to return home. Meanwhile, the smaller Baxters Harbour wildfire, which emerged in Kings County over the weekend, has been successfully contained, as reported by the Department of Natural Resources.
The authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and efforts are ongoing to manage and suppress the wildfires efficiently.
Please refrain from entering the evacuation zones for your safety and the safety of our dedicated first responders.