The Long Lake wildfires complex is still being held at 8,468 hectares

**** Via NS Gov Update The Department of Natural Resources changed the status of the Long Lake wildfire complex in Annapolis County to being held on Monday, September 8. That means the fire is not likely to grow or move as long as conditions do not change. Here are some images captured by government photographers on the ground. Image descriptions: 1. Nova Scotia strike team leader Mike LeBlanc walks through a stand of fallen trees at Paradise Lake, which is north of Long Lake, on Monday, September 8. When wildfire burns deep, tree roots are weakened and trees can easily topple. 2. Trees with weakened roots from deep burning wildfire can easily topple, adding a challenge for firefighters working on the Long Lake wildfires complex. Trees with weakened roots from deep burning wildfire can easily topple, adding a challenge for firefighters working on the Long Lake wildfires complex. 3. Nova Scotia strike team leader Mike LeBlanc guides a helicopter onto a landing area where his crew is working at Paradise Lake. 4. Ontario crew leader Neve McKay (centre) and firefighter Rachel Haavaldsrud (left, with hose) with crew, working on dousing deep burning fire at Paradise Lake. 5. Ontario crew leader Neve McKay (left) and firefighter Rachel Haavaldsrud spray into the soil and roots of smouldering trees at Paradise Lake. 6. Ontario crew leader Neve McKay hoses down soil and smouldering tree roots at Paradise Lake. 7. Ontario firefighter Josh Biega pulls hose through the woods near Paradise Lake. 8. Charred power poles and trees along Thorne Road are at risk of toppling, making conditions hazardous in the area. 9. A fire hose stretches around the burnt roots of fallen trees at Paradise Lake. When wildfire burns deep, tree roots are weakened and trees can easily topple. 10. Trees fell near Paradise Lake because the deep burning wildfire weakened their roots. - The Long Lake wildfires complex is still being held at 8,468 hectares Crews are making progress, working inward from the edges of the fire zone. They're seeking out fire burning underground, dousing tree roots, soil, mosses etc, working on buffers around areas that haven't burned. Crews are taking a systematic approach to make populated areas safe again. They are working around properties, checking for ash pits that could burn people or animals that walk on them, and taking down unstable trees. Removal of downed power poles and lines is also ongoing. Resources today include 11 helicopters, 4 planes with bird dog, about 7 pieces of heavy equipment. 40 DNR, 18 Ontario, 60 Quebec firefighters, plus support staff. An updated evacuation map is available online: https://novascotia.ca/alerts/docs/Long-Lake.pdf