Seven Mile Lake Fire near Kejimkujik National Park, in Nova Scotia, contained

Travel restrictions into woods lifted in Cape Breton, but remain in mainland Nova Scotia

By Jon Tattrie, CBC News Posted: Aug 15, 2016 12:26 PM AT Last Updated: Aug 15, 2016 4:24 PM AT

 

The forest fire at Seven Mile Lake in Nova Scotia's Annapolis County is fully contained, officials said Monday.

Crews have also fully contained the fires at Maitland Bridge in Annapolis County, Perch Lake in Pictou County and Ten Mile Lake in Queens County.

The latter blaze continues to be difficult to fight because the area has had less rain than other areas around Kejimkujik National Park, the province said Monday morning. Crews at the scene said the fire has burned deep in places and they have to dig out the hot spots with hand tools or water to completely extinguish them.

 

Beginning tonight and for the next few days, Highway 8, also known as Trunk 8, will open at 8 and close again at 8 a.m. the following morning.

A burn ban remains in place across Nova Scotia.

However, a ban on travel into the woods in Cape Breton was lifted Monday, but it remains in place in mainland Nova Scotia.

"We appreciate everyone's co-operation while these restrictions are in place. Firefighters have made significant progress. As well, there are fewer new fires starting," said Natural Resources Minister Lloyd Hines.

P.E.I. sends help

Prince Edward Island sent five firefighters to Nova Scotia Monday to help with the remaining fires.

"We expect they will be posted in the southern area of the province for a minimum period of one week up to a period of two weeks, or until conditions improve," said Robert Mitchell, P.E.I.'s minister for the Department of Communities, Land and Environment.

• 'It's just horrible to see everything just burnt to a crisp'