Wildfire at Long Lake remains contained; firefighting teams moving inward for further control and containment.

The Long Lake wildfire, covering an area of 8,468 hectares, continues to burn in West Dalhousie, Nova Scotia. The firefighting efforts, involving crews from Ontario, Quebec, and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) of Nova Scotia, are ongoing.

The wildfire, previously considered out of control, saw some progress on Monday. Crews are currently working to locate any fire burning underground and to create buffers around unburned areas. They are also focusing on making populated areas safe, checking for ash pits, removing unstable trees, and dealing with downed power poles and lines.

The burn ban, which started on July 30, is still in effect across the province. The Nova Scotia government introduced this ban, followed by a woods entry ban on Aug. 5. The woods entry ban applies to all counties listed except for Annapolis County, where there are currently no air quality statements or warnings. The woods entry ban remains in effect in the following counties: Pictou, Colchester, Cumberland, Hants, Lunenburg, Kings, Annapolis, Queens, Shelburne, Digby, Yarmouth.

The woods entry ban will remain in place in these areas until Oct. 15 or until conditions improve. As of Tuesday, about 110 civic addresses from the initial evacuation order are not yet safe for re-entry. However, evacuees from 22 addresses, including 19 residences, were allowed to return home on Tuesday. These addresses include parts of Morse Road, Thorne Road, Neaves Road, and some sections of West Dalhousie Road, Heartland Road, and Medicraft Lane.

Power will be restored and extra waste collection will be arranged for some of the returning evacuees on Thursday. The Nova Scotia government has not specified a date for lifting the burn ban. The fine for violating either ban is $25,000.

On Tuesday, 11 helicopters, four planes with bird dog, about seven pieces of heavy equipment, 40 DNR staff, 18 firefighters from Ontario, 60 firefighters from Quebec, and support staff were on scene at Long Lake. The firefighting teams, aside from those from Ontario and Quebec, include 37 DNR firefighters, but no specific names of other provincial crews are mentioned in the available information.

The Long Lake wildfire remains active as of Tuesday. The authorities urge the public to stay informed and follow all safety guidelines, including the burn ban and the woods entry ban, to ensure everyone's safety during this challenging time.

Wildfire at Long Lake remains contained; firefighting teams moving inward for further control and containment.