LONG LAKE WILDFIRES COMPLEX, ANNAPOLIS COUNTY, SEPTEMBER 1

**** NS Gov Release LONG LAKE WILDFIRES COMPLEX, ANNAPOLIS COUNTY, SEPTEMBER 1 The Long Lake wildfires complex is still out of control and still estimated at 8,465 hectares. There are no new reports of damage. Crews are working hard while favourable weather lasts, aiming to get a line of fire breaks around the entire perimeter of the fire zone. The southern end of the fire is the most active area and fire intensity increased with wind today. Helicopters are dropping water on this area so ground crews can safely enter to continue tying up the perimeter and advance inward on the fire. Manitoba’s CL415 planes are being released, they are replaced by 2 black hawk helicopters which are more effective for current needs. Two other helicopters were released, so the total is still 10 working on the fire. The four Northwest Territories 802 planes with bird dog are still in use. Department of Natural Resources firefighters are getting a break. 61 Ontario, 40 Quebec and 61 local firefighters are working on the fire, along with about 50 pieces of heavy machinery. - Do not operate drones in a wildfire area. It is illegal. It can interfere with our firefighting efforts. Aircraft are using a very large airspace around the Long Lake wildfires complex. It is not safe to use a drone anywhere in the broader area. The fine is $25,000 under the Forests Act, there could be fines under federal legislation as well.