Wildfire in West Dalhousie, N.S. intensifies as firefighters remain on the ground to control situation; DNR says ‘extended rain’ needed for good effect

A wildfire, which started burning on August 13, 2025, and went out of control in West Dalhousie, N.S., grew in size on Saturday (August 23, 2025). Giving the latest update on the wildfire, known as the Long Lake wildfire, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said that it is now estimated to be roughly 3,255 hectares in size, up from 3,210 on Friday (August 22, 2025).

While speaking at a news conference on Saturday, DNR Forest Protection Manager Scott Tingley said, “With the winds that shifted east and then northeast yesterday, that pushed parts of the fire on the west side, so we saw a bit of growth there,” as quoted by CTV News. “That’s the priority now, just mitigating and protecting values at risk that are up along that West Dalhousie Road, including the incident command post that the team is operating out of,” he added.

Tingley also stated that the status of the wildfire will likely remain out of control until crews can assess the impacts of the shifting winds over the weekend and the expected rainfall on Monday (August 25, 2025). “Even with that rain, whatever we might get, we need extended rain for multiple days before it has any real good effect on this fire or on the fire ban or on the woods travel restrictions,” Jim Rudderham, Nova Scotia’s Fleet and Forest Protection Director, was quoted as saying by CTV News.

“One day of rain is not going to change everything. It certainly will help, and we’ll take it, but we need extended rain before anything drastic is going to change with the fire situation in this province.” Meanwhile, a special air quality statement remained in effect in Annapolis and Queens counties, advising that smoke from the wildfire is reducing local air quality.

“People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms,” said Environment Canada. Residents are advised to keep their doors and windows closed and avoid moving out of their homes.

DNR crew and firefighters present on the scene

According to DNR, 52 of its crew members are present on the scene. Besides that, 42 are local firefighters and 62 are from Ontario. It also stated that firefighters from Prince Edward Island have now returned home.

DNR also noted that there are six helicopters, six planes, bird dogs, and more than 30 heavy equipment operators on site. “Crews continue working on dozer guards and soaking areas around the perimeter of the fire zone,” said DNR in an update Saturday morning, according to CTV News.

Conditions look promising, says DNR

DNR said on Saturday morning that the conditions looked “promising” to continue tracking the progress before Sunday (August 24, 2025), when the wind grows. Crews were working hard to protect the homes amid the anticipation of potential wind shifts with post-tropical cyclone Erin, DNR officials said on Friday (August 22, 2025)

Earlier, an evacuation order was issued for 107 homes, affecting roughly 215 people. The province said there are currently three active wildfires in the province; two are under control but not yet extinguished, CTV News reported. Currently, the Long Lake fire is the only one out of control.

Rudderham claimed that there were also three “fire incidents” on Friday. “Two of which did become wildfires, which were quickly extinguished by the crews,” Rudderham said Saturday. The Municipality of the County of Annapolis extended its local state of emergency on Friday.

The local state of emergency was first declared on August 16, 2025. It will remain in effect for another seven days unless it’s renewed or terminated sooner. Amid the state of emergency, residents are required to follow all official instructions from emergency officials.