A forest fire continues to burn in the Argyle area of Yarmouth County.
“The fire in Argyle covers 15 hectares and is currently not contained,” said Jill MacKenzie, communications advisor for the Department of Lands and Forestry, mid-day on Friday, Aug. 28.
Resources deployed include Sustained Action Team members, seven Lands and Forestry crew and one helicopter, and a volunteer fire department, said MacKenzie. Air tankers from New Brunswick have completed a water drop. There have been no evacuations in the area.
A second fire in nearby West Pubnico is fully contained and now covers an area of 0.2 hectares, said MacKenzie. There were no evacuations in the area.
3:30 p.m. Friday update: Fire is 15 ha and 30% contained. Response includes 19 Lands and Forestry crew, one helicopter and one volunteer fire department. pic.twitter.com/bZlrSP0124
— NS Lands and Forestry (@NSLandsForestry) August 28, 2020
Both fires broke out on Aug. 27, initially forcing the closure of Highway 103 between exits 31 and 32 due to heavy smoke and poor visibility. Highway 103 was reopened early on Aug. 28, but had been closed again by noon. Emergency officials also closed Route 3 earlier today (Aug. 28) because of heavy smoke from the fire.
As a safety notice, emergency officials are advising anyone living between civic # 4040 through to civic # 4417 on Route 3 who may have respiratory issues, may want to leave the area again due to heavy and thick smoke from the forest fire. If anyone in this area requires assistance, they should call 902-648-2314.
The West Pubnico Fire Hall is open as a reception centre for those who have left their homes.
MacKenzie's regular updates will be posted on Twitter @NSLandsForestry
