Wildfire Persists in Lake George Area
A significant wildfire in the Lake George area of Kings County, within Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley, remains out of control as of October 6, 2025. The blaze, which ignited on September 28, has grown to an estimated 2.85 square kilometers (approximately 285-288 hectares), posing ongoing challenges for emergency crews.
Extensive Response and Resources Deployed
More than 100 firefighters are actively engaged in combating the wildfire. This includes personnel from the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), local volunteer fire departments, and a contingent of 39 firefighters from British Columbia. Air support is crucial to the operation, with six planes (two from Newfoundland and Labrador and four from the Northwest Territories) and six helicopters deployed to drop water on the blaze. Additionally, 18 pieces of heavy equipment are being utilized to construct vital fire breaks around the perimeter of the active fire zone.
Evacuations and Community Impact
Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for numerous properties in the vicinity of the fire. To date, 353 civic addresses, including approximately 79 permanent residences, have been evacuated. The Canadian Red Cross has registered 391 people from 205 households at a shelter established in the Louis Millett Community Complex in New Minas. While crews are working diligently to protect structures, there have been no reports of damage to homes or other buildings. A special air quality statement has been issued for Kings and Annapolis counties due to smoke from the wildfire, advising residents of potential health risks.
Challenging Conditions Hamper Containment Efforts
Firefighting efforts are significantly complicated by prevailing weather conditions. The region is experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures, reaching up to 28°C, which is considerably higher than the typical October average of below 15°C. Persistent dry and windy conditions have contributed to the fire's spread and intensity. Officials note that the fire is burning deep in the ground, making it particularly difficult to extinguish. In response to the elevated fire risk, burn and woods bans remain in effect across Annapolis County.
10 Comments
Manolo Noriega
It's admirable how many resources are being thrown at this fire, from planes to personnel. However, the recurring nature and intensity of these blazes point to a larger climate issue that needs systemic solutions, not just reactive measures.
Fuerza
Incredible work by all the firefighters and emergency crews! Stay safe out there.
Manolo Noriega
The coordination between provincial and federal agencies is great to see in a crisis like this. But we must also acknowledge that relying on external resources like firefighters from BC and planes from NWT suggests a growing strain on local capabilities to handle these increasingly severe natural disasters.
Ongania
Relieved to hear no homes are damaged so far. Great job protecting properties!
Fuerza
While the immediate focus is rightly on containing the fire and protecting lives, it's concerning that such extreme dry and warm conditions are happening in October. This highlights the urgent need for long-term strategies to adapt to and mitigate climate change impacts.
anubis
Still out of control? After all this time and resources? Unacceptable.
paracelsus
The swift evacuations and community support are commendable, ensuring people's safety. Yet, the fact that a fire can burn so deep and become so difficult to extinguish, even with extensive efforts, shows how vulnerable our ecosystems are to prolonged dry spells.
eliphas
Another climate change disaster unfolding. When will governments act?
paracelsus
It's a relief that no structural damage has been reported, which speaks to the effectiveness of firefighting strategies. However, the persistent air quality alerts and the sheer scale of the fire indicate significant environmental and health impacts that will linger long after the flames are gone.
anubis
These unseasonably warm conditions are terrifying. Our future is grim.