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Yarmouth County Wildfire:Out-Of-Control
Air Quality Alert Issued
CL-415 water bomber from Newfoundland and Labrador (Source: Government of Nova Scotia)
DNR helicopter airlifting equipment.
(Source: Government of Nova Scotia)
(Source: Government of Nova Scotia)
Below are the highlights of a statement posted on the Government of Nova Scotia website which provides an update on the out-of-control wildfire in Yarmouth County as of Wednesday, May 11th.
***The wildfire near Horseshoe Lake, Yarmouth County, is now estimated to cover about 3,100 hectares, or about 6 kms by 5 kms. While the fire continues to grow, it is remote and not expected to reach homes or communities.
The Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables Minister Tory Rushton said,
"Conditions are still adverse, so the fire may continue to spread. However, at this time, we do not see it reaching communities and the province’s response is being managed by highly trained professionals and fire crew members who are ready to respond at a moment's notice to keep us safe in case of emergency. As a former fire chief, I know they will protect our communities, homes and forests.”
Winds and low humidity are driving the spread of the fire. Smoke has prompted air quality alerts for the Yarmouth area. An incident command post is being established to coordinate on-scene management.
Fire crews have been fighting the wildfire since Monday. The current response includes 2 helicopters, 40 provincial fire crew members and a CL-415 water bomber from Newfoundland and Labrador. No homes or structures have been lost at this time and its not expected the fire will directly impact people.
Conditions across the province are very dry. Burning is not permitted in Shelburne, Yarmouth or Queens counties today, May 11th. Nova Scotians should check burn restrictions online or call the toll-free phone line at 1-855-564-2876 (BURN) before starting a fire.***
On Tuesday, Environment Canada issued an air quality statement which is still in effect for Yarmouth and Digby Counties. A spokesperson for the Yarmouth Regional Hospital advised that an "Incident Management Team" is monitoring the air quality situation.
Respiratory Therapist, Katie Babin, said, "Anyone with COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma will be more susceptible to smoke-related issues than others."
Nova Scotia Premier, Tim Houston, said in an early Wednesday evening tweet, "Thank you to the volunteer firefighters, DNRR staff, pilots, and other organizations fighting the forest fire burning in remote Yarmouth County. Please be safe."
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