Lake George Wildfire Burning Out Of Control

Brian Teepell/USPA 24 News - The day commenced promisingly, with morning and afternoon conditions facilitating fire suppression. Crews coped despite unfavorable weather. However, this evening, the fire infiltrated a previously contained area, surpassing a brook, fire break, or both, and initiated spreading beyond the clear-cut area.

Immediately, Newfoundland Water Bombers 415 were deployed from Greenwood, supported by an additional helicopter from Shubenacadie to reinforce resources at the scene.

The fire is still uncontrolled tonight. West winds continue to drive the fire eastward, but they are expected to shift and complete a 360-degree rotation over the next 30 hours.

Safety concerns have necessitated the withdrawal of ground crews from the woods, and air support has been grounded. Reports indicate increased fire activity on the west side of Aylesford Road compared to the east, though both sides remain active. Structural protection assets are maintaining their positions.

Although the evacuation area is substantial relative to the fire's size, crews are coping well with the challenging circumstances, which include favorable conditions for rapid spread such as drought, available fuel including the forest floor, and weather. Tomorrow's forecast predicts lighter winds, moderate humidity, and temperatures approaching 20 degrees Celsius, but conditions will remain unfavorable.

Overnight, southwest and west winds are anticipated to drive significant smoke from the Lake George wildfire into adjacent eastern communities.

Modeling indicates substantial smoke movement toward Berwick, Kentville, and communities along the Minas Basin in Hants and Colchester counties. It is uncertain whether the smoke will reach the Cumberland area of the Minas Basin.