Last Updated: October 3rd, 2025 @ 11:30am

Wildfire Evacuation Map

Lake George Wildfire – Morning Update (October 3, 2025, 11:11 AM)

The Lake George wildfire in Kings County remains out of control. The fire grew by approximately 5 hectares yesterday, bringing the current size to around 250 hectares. There are no reports of damage to structures at this time.

Current Firefighting Efforts:

• Heavy machinery teams continue to build fire breaks, including:

  • Dozer guards – bare earth paths cleared by bulldozers and machinery to remove combustible material and slow fire spread.

  • Wet lines – hoses and pumps drawing water from nearby lakes, ponds, or rivers to soak the area and inhibit fire movement.

• While fire breaks help, they do not guarantee containment, especially if wind speeds increase.

• Structural protection assets remain in place near homes and buildings.

Weather Conditions:

• Winds are expected to push the fire eastward, toward resources east of Aylesford Road.

• Forecast: high teens Celsius, falling humidity, sustained winds in the mid-teens km/h with gusts up to 40 km/h.

• These conditions could push the fire into unburnt woodland areas.

• Early this morning, aerial reports indicated calmer fire behaviour: humidity was high, no winds were present, and fire activity was low.

Resources on Scene:

• Over 50 wildland firefighters on site, including DNR and volunteer personnel.

• Air support: 6 planes and 5 helicopters actively working the fire — a large deployment for a fire of this size.

• Additional support may be requested today, including Quebec water bombers for rapid strikes.

Fire Activity:

• The fire is burning on both sides of Aylesford Road.

• The west side remains more active, though showing improvement compared to yesterday morning.

Evacuations & Closures:

• Approximately 275 civic addresses remain under mandatory evacuation, including:

  • Aylesford Road from Fox Mountain Campground to Civic 3847

  • All civic addresses on Spruce Drive, Birch Lane, and Blue Lane

  • All civic addresses between 5 North River Road and 1493 North River Road

• An emergency reception centre is open at the Louis Millett Community Complex in New Minas — all evacuees must register here.

Air Quality Advisory:

• A special air quality statement remains in effect for Kings and Lunenburg counties.

• Smoke may reduce air quality, especially for vulnerable groups such as seniors, children, pregnant individuals, and people with heart or lung conditions.

• Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, stay indoors if possible, and use a well-fitting N95 or equivalent mask if exposure is unavoidable.

🔔 The next official update is expected late this afternoon or early evening.

For ongoing wildfire coverage, visit this page or tune in to Rewind 89.3.

Reception Centre / Shelter & Registration

• An Emergency Reception Centre / Shelter is established at the Louis Millett Community Complex in New Minas

• All residents from evacuated areas MUST register at that reception centre.

• Shelter is operating 24/7 with overnight accommodations per official Nova Scotia Government updates.

Air Quality Advisory (Updated Oct 3, 2025)

Environment Canada and the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness have issued a special air quality statement for Kings and Lunenburg counties due to smoke from the Lake George wildfire.

Who is most at risk:

• Seniors (65+)

• Pregnant individuals

• Infants and young children

• People with respiratory or heart conditions

• Outdoor workers

Health effects of smoke exposure:

• Eye, nose, and throat irritation

• Headaches or mild cough

• More serious symptoms may include wheezing, chest pain, or severe cough — seek immediate medical attention if these occur.

How to protect yourself:

• Limit outdoor activity and avoid strenuous exercise outside

• Keep windows and doors closed when indoors

• Use clean, high-quality air filters in ventilation systems or certified portable air cleaners, if available

• During heat events, prioritize staying cool while limiting smoke exposure

• If outdoor exposure is unavoidable, wear a well-fitting N95 or equivalent mask to reduce inhalation of fine smoke particles

Air quality conditions may change quickly with the wind and fire behaviour. Residents should remain alert and take precautions as needed.

Emergency & Immediate Help

• 911 — For life-threatening emergencies (fire, medical, police)

• Forest Fire / Wildfire Hotline — 1-800-565-2224 (for reporting fire or fire danger)

• Nova Scotia Emergency Management Office — provincial coordination for disasters

• Kings REMO – Emergency / Disaster Contact — municipal office in Kings County

• Louis Millett Community Complex (Shelter Hotline) — 902-890-2042 (new contact number for shelter inquiries)

---

Shelter & Housing Supports

• Louis Millett Community Complex, New Minas — reception centre / shelter for evacuees

• 211 Nova Scotia — connect to local housing, food, support, community services

• Annapolis Valley Coordinated Access System (for Kings, Annapolis, Digby, West Hants) — housing support, eviction prevention, referrals

• Open Arms Shelter & Resource Centre, Kentville (32 Bridge Street) — emergency shelter, support services

• Chrysalis House (Kings County region) — safe shelter for women / children

---

Financial & Basic Needs Assistance

• Canadian Red Cross NS Disaster Assistance — one-time financial assistance (for eligible households evacuated by official order)

• Nova Scotia Income Assistance (IA) Program — help for basic needs when one cannot support themselves

---

Health & Mental Health Resources

• Provincial Mental Health & Addictions Crisis Line — 1-888-429-8167 (24/7)

• 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline — call or text 9-8-8 (nationwide)

• Kids Help Phone — 1-800-668-6868 or text “CONNECT” to 686868

• CMHA Nova Scotia – Crisis Support / Community Mental Health

• Family Service of Nova Scotia — counselling, support services

• Social Work Services (IWK) — for individual/family counselling, resource referrals

---

Local / Municipal Contacts

• Aylesford & District Fire Department (non-emergency)

• Berwick, Canning, Kingston/Greenwood Fire Departments (depending on area)

• Municipal / County Offices — for bylaw, zoning, local relief programs