Municipal authorities in Kings County are urging individuals to refrain from entering mandatory evacuation areas as the Lake George wildfire continues to rage uncontrollably.
Mayor Dave Corkum of the Municipality of the County of Kings emphasized the importance of avoiding evacuation zones near the fire, citing instances of people using ATVs to venture closer for a better view. He stressed that it not only jeopardizes their safety but also endangers the lives of first responders.
According to the latest update from the Department of Natural Resources on Monday, the wildfire is intensifying, having expanded slightly to cover 288 hectares. Fortunately, no structures have been harmed thus far.
The firefighting efforts involve a significant presence, with 35 Department of Natural Resources personnel, 23 local firefighters, 39 from British Columbia, two aircraft from Newfoundland and Labrador, four from the Northwest Territories, six helicopters, and 18 pieces of heavy machinery on site.
Mayor Corkum expressed concerns about the challenging weather conditions, as temperatures are anticipated to soar into the high 20s in Kings County today. He noted the exceptionally dry conditions and the potential threat posed by increasing winds.
Over 350 homes and cottages in the vicinity of Lake George and the west side of Aylesford Lake have been evacuated as a precautionary measure. The Red Cross evacuation center at the Louis Millett Centre in New Minas has accommodated 205 households, with only three individuals requiring overnight stays. Most evacuees have sought refuge with relatives or in local hotels.
Residents within the evacuation zones have not been permitted to return to their residences at this time. Meanwhile, the smaller Baxters Harbour wildfire that erupted in Kings County over the weekend has been successfully contained, as confirmed by the Department of Natural Resources.
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