More people evacuated because of the Long Lake wildfires in Annapolis County will be able to return home Tuesday, September 9.

The re-entry area includes 22 addresses, 19 of them residential:
– 484 to 1073 Morse Rd.
– 4272 and 4291 Thorne Rd.
– 49, 77 and 321 Neaves Rd.

Residents are to arrive at the 1073 Morse Rd. checkpoint between 9 and 11 a.m. with a valid piece of identification proving their civic address for re-entry.

“I’m relieved that more residents can return home, after weeks of uncertainty. But we know that this isn’t over for everyone,” said Kim Masland, Minister of Emergency Management. “Many people still remain under evacuation, with homes still in the active wildfire area. To those still waiting: we are doing everything we can to bring you home safely as soon as possible.”

The decision is based on an assessment of current fire behaviour, air quality and road access by the Department of Natural Resources. The Department changed the status of the wildfire to being held today, September 8. That means the fire is not likely to grow or move as long as conditions do not change. It is still not under control and could still grow if conditions change, but the risk is low for the area where residents are allowed to return.

For those residents, power will be restored once people are back in their homes. Extra waste collection has been arranged for Thursday, September 11, for household waste. Residents are also advised to:
– drive with caution as fire crews may still be working in the area
– be aware of air quality advisories and limit exposure if sensitive to smoke
– check the home for damage before re-entering
– residents should remain prepared to evacuate should fire behaviour change.

The following areas remain under evacuation orders and are not yet safe for re-entry:
– the section of West Dalhousie Road from Che-Boag-A-Nish Road to Meadow Road
– all of Heartland Road and Medicraft Lane.
– addresses on Thorne Road not listed above.

Quotes:
“Each step toward re-entry brings relief not only to our residents, but also to the county as a whole. We are deeply grateful to the firefighters, aerial crews, volunteers and countless others working tirelessly to make this possible. This progress is encouraging, but we must remember it does not mean the danger has passed. The wildfire remains active, and we ask everyone to stay prepared should conditions change.” 
— Diane LeBlanc, Warden, County of Annapolis

Quick Facts:
– the Long Lake wildfires complex is still out of control and currently estimated at 8,468 hectares, or more than 84 square kilometres (a wildfire complex is several fires that are being managed by one incident management team with resources being moved between them as necessary)
– about 110 addresses remain under an evacuation order; last week, residents of an area that included about 360 addresses were permitted re-entry
– an emergency financial support program is available for those displaced from their primary residence, based on the number of days evacuated
– emergencies are stressful and can be overwhelming; mental health and well-being resources available to support people are listed at the end of this release
– Nova Scotians are encouraged to watch for regular, official updates on provincial government social media accounts and the emergency alerts and information web page