Large forest fire burning in eastern Yarmouth County
A large fire in eastern Yarmouth County is burning two kilometers west of South Horseshoe Lake, according to Nova Scotia’s Department of Natural Resources and Renewables.
The department said on Twitter Monday evening provincial fire crews were responding to the 50-hectare fire.
According to DNR, crews left the scene for the night Monday and planned to return Tuesday morning.
Aaron Pottier, fire chief for the Quinan Fire Department, said Tuesday the fire is in a fairly remote area and his department has not yet been called upon to help battle the blaze.
He said DNR had two helicopters in the air dropping water on the flames on Monday and he expected they would return on Tuesday.
Pottier said there was quite a lot of smoke in the air in his community, which is located about 20 kilometers south of the fire.
“It was thick, at times, depending where the wind was blowing, and at times it settles a little bit toward the ground a little bit more. So, yesterday afternoon around suppertime there was a fair bit of smoke close to the ground in and around the community, “he said.
“The more the wind blows, the higher up it seems to go. This morning, again it comes and goes. There’s a bit of a smoke haze around, but it comes and goes and there’s definitely a smell of smoke in the air.”
Environment Canada is warning about elevated pollution levels. According to the national weather service, satellite imagery Monday evening showed the fire was located about 40 kilometers northeast of the town of Yarmouth. The smoke plume was staying north of Yarmouth but could also affect air quality near Beaver River and Port Maitland.
“Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk,” said Environment Canada’s statement.