Province offers financial aid to evacuees of Long Like wildfire

The Nova Scotia Department of Emergency Management has opened applications for financial aid for those who have been forced from their homes as a result of the Long Lake wildfire complex.

The blaze ignited on Aug. 13 and has since grown to over 8,400 hectares in size.

As the fire spread, 505 civic addresses have been forced to evacuate, says the province. Of those evacuated, 518 people have registered with the Red Cross.

Emergency funding is now available, the province says, to “help people with cashflow, out-of-pocket expenses and insurance deductibles.”

Only one person per household can apply but funding is distributed based on the number of people per residence.

Those who have been out of their homes for between four and seven days will receive $500 per adult and $200 per child. Those who have been evacuated for eight to 14 days will receive an additional $500 per adult and $200 per child. After two weeks, each adult will receive $250 per additional week and for children that amount remains at $200.

Officials have said their primary goal is to get residents back in their homes safely, but even once people return home, there may still be challenges.

Residents are advised to have their oil tanks inspected to ensure there is no unwanted damage from the fire.

“Dents, swelling, discoloration and peeling paint are all signs of damage,” the Department of Emergency Management says. Even if your tank does not appear to be damaged, it is still a good idea to get it checked.

Residents are also encouraged to get their well water tested. To do so, they must flush and disinfect the well and then wait five days to sample.

As the fire rapidly expanded from hot dry conditions last week, 20 homes were destroyed along with 11 other outbuildings. The municipality is in the midst of establishing a navigator program to help these property owners access supports.

“These were not just structures, they were places filled with memories, comfort and meaning. We are here to support our residents, not only today, but in the days and months ahead,” Diane LeBlanc, Warden of the County of Annapolis, said in a press release. “Our commitment to help those affected is unwavering, as we continue this journey together.”

Fire status

Meanwhile, crews still continue to battle the fire while growth has slowed down over the weekend.

The Department of Natural Resources says favourable weather is helping crews make good progress, but they have yet to establish a line around the entire fire zone.

Work has been primarily focused on the northern part of the fire to prevent spread to more homes and communities. But a shift in wind on Monday has left the southern end of the fire the most intense. DNR says helicopters are dropping water on this part so ground crews can safely enter the area and establish a perimeter.

There are currently 10 helicopters and four planes with bird dogs aiding in the efforts. DNR staff have been given a bit of a break while 61 Ontario, 40 Quebec and 61 local firefighters are on the ground.

According to Environment Canada, temperatures are expected to sit in the mid 20s all week. An Air Quality Warning remains in effect.