Four Fires Contained Near West Stoney Lake
Four wildfires were contained in Annapolis County by Thursday evening after erupting near West Stoney Lake, with DNR officials attributing the blazes to potential lightning strikes from recent storms. Jim Rudderham, director of forest protection for DNR, stated at noon that helicopters and planes were deployed to combat the fires, which burned in a five-hectare area. No homes were reported damaged, though cabins in the vicinity were noted.
Residents Report Concern as Blazes Approach Cabins
Residents near West Stoney Lake, including Brenda Thompson, reported smoke and heightened concern. Thompson, who lives five kilometers from the lake, said the fire was “even closer than last year’s” in Long Lake. Last year, her family prepared for a two-month evacuation due to wildfires, and her daughter questioned whether they would need to “pack our bags for the summer again.”
Lightning Suspected as Cause, But Investigation Continues
Rudderham said the fires, which began Wednesday night and Thursday morning, were “in the same general area,” suggesting a lightning origin but noting the cause remained unconfirmed. By 6 p.m., all fires were deemed under control, with 15 DNR firefighters and 15 volunteer firefighters involved. Accessibility to the site was described as good, and fire retardant was dropped by DNR planes early Thursday.
Weather Conditions Intensify Fire Risk
The fires follow multiple lightning strikes from storms that swept the province less than a week prior, sparking at least two other fires that were quickly contained. However, rainfall forecasts for Thursday did not materialize, and wind gusts persisted. Rudderham noted that “some rain in the forecast for Thursday afternoon” might instead bring more lightning.
Communities Remain Vigilant Amid Uncertain Outlook
The West Stoney Lake fire occurred south of Annapolis Royal and east of Highway 8, near the community of Perotte. No significant rain is forecast for the region, and the fire risk index is rising. As the region monitors weather patterns and fire risk, residents like Thompson remain cautious, balancing recent containment successes with lingering uncertainty about future threats.
What caused the fires near West Stoney Lake? Officials suspect lightning, as multiple strikes were reported in the area recently, though the exact cause remains unconfirmed.
How many fires were reported? Four separate fires were documented within a five-hectare area, according to DNR director Jim Rudderham.
Were any homes threatened? No homes were reported damaged, though cabins in the area were noted. Residents expressed concern over proximity to the blazes.
What steps might communities take if lightning activity continues to increase?
