News release

Yarmouth County Forest Fire Update

Natural Resources and Renewables

NOTE: Photos of the wildfire response near Horseshoe Lake, Yarmouth County, are available at: https://news.novascotia.ca/photos/2022/05/11/wildfire-near-horseshoe-lake-yarmouth-county

The wildfire near Horseshoe Lake, Yarmouth County, is now estimated to cover about 3,100 hectares. While the fire continues to spread and approach Rushy Lake, it is remote and not expected to reach homes or communities.

"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,” said Natural Resources and Renewables Minister Tory Rushton. “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 co-ordinate on-scene management.

Conditions across the province are very dry. Burning is not permitted in Shelburne, Yarmouth or Queens counties today, May 11. Nova Scotians should check burn restrictions online or call the toll-free phone line at 1-855-564-2876 (BURN) before starting a fire.

Quick Facts:

  • fire crews have been fighting the wildfire since Monday, May 9
  • the current response includes two helicopters, 40 provincial fire crew members and one 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
  • the cause of the fire is unknown
  • 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

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