Nova Scotia Emergency Management has issued an evacuation order in Kings County due to a wildfire.
The department sent out an update just after 6 p.m. saying “residents from the southern boundary of Lake George, to the Northern Boundary of Lake George are to evacuate immediately.”
Evacuation instructions
The evacuation order says residents of Lake George are to immediately evacuate.
The government says residents should take their pets, important documents and enough medication, food and emergency supplies.
An emergency reception centre has been opened at the Louis Millett Centre New Minas. Evacuees can go to Louis Millett Community Complex at 9489 Commercial Street, New Minas.
“All residents are requested to register at the Reception Centre,” reads the evacuation order from the government.
Wildfire out-of-control
An evacuation alert had been issued for the Lake George area just after 5 p.m., with Nova Scotia’s Department of Natural Resources saying the wildfire at Lake George has “reverted back to out-of-control” due to dry, windy conditions.
The fire is currently estimated to be 80 hectares in size.
“Residents in area of North River Rd and Aylesford Rd intersection to G2 Rd at Lake George are to be prepared to evacuate,” read the alert from the Nova Scotia government.
Nova Scotia Emergency Management is supporting evacuation of nearby camps and homes.
Two planes are en route from Quebec. Planes from New Brunswick and North West Territories are on scene working with DNR and local firefighters.
Air quality advisory
An air quality advisory was issued for Kings County at 5:31 p.m. by Environment Canada and the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness.
“Smoke from a wildfire near Lake George may lead to reduced air quality in its vicinity and downwind. Smoke conditions may vary locally as wind and fire behaviour changes,” reads the advisory.
People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke include:
- people aged 65 and older
- pregnant people
- infants and young children
- people with an existing illness or chronic health condition
- people who work outdoors
“As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events,” reads the advisory.
The advisory instructs residents to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible to protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke.
“If you must spend time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke,” reads the advisory.
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