News release

Nova Scotia Welcomes Forest Fire Aid from Newfoundland and Labrador

Natural Resources and Renewables

A CL-415 water bomber is on its way from Newfoundland and Labrador to help Nova Scotia’s ground and air crews fight an out-of-control wildfire near Horseshoe Lake, Yarmouth County.

The fire is estimated to cover about 350 hectares and continues to grow. Winds and low humidity are factors in the spread of the fire. Smoke has prompted air quality alerts for the Yarmouth area.

Assistance was requested through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. Nova Scotia is a member of a mutual aid and resource-sharing agreement which ensures all provinces and territories will receive help fighting forest fires when needed.

Conditions across the province are very dry, and burning is not permitted in Shelburne, Yarmouth or Queens counties today, May 10. Nova Scotians should check burn restrictions online or call the toll-free phone line at 1-855-564-2876 (BURN) before starting a fire.

April and May tend to be the busiest months of the fire season. Grass, brush and leaves dry very fast and make fuel for forest fires. Coupled with low humidity and high winds, fires can spread quickly, and they can be difficult to get under control.

Quick Facts:

  • fire crews have been fighting the wildfire since Monday, May 9
  • the current response includes two helicopters and 12 provincial fire crew members from Shelburne and Yarmouth counties
  • fire updates are posted on the Department’s Twitter feed

Additional Resources:

BurnSafe: https://novascotia.ca/burnsafe/

Natural Resources and Renewables on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NS_DNRR