Long Lake Fire Still Being Held

USPA NEWS - Firefighters on site: 24 Department of Natural Resources staff, 17 from Quebec, 20 from Parks Canada, and 5 from Prince Edward Island along with support staff.

The Long Lake wildfires complex has been held at an estimated 8,468 hectares, with no new reports of damage.

Within the active wildfire zone, road crews are undertaking repairs to damaged roads as conditions permit. Meanwhile, Nova Scotia Power is inspecting and repairing its infrastructure in the area.

The dry conditions pose a heightened risk of additional areas burning within the active wildfire zone. Crews are concentrating on hot spots near the perimeter to fortify it. Infrared camera scans reveal satisfactory progress, which will persist in the coming days to guide concentrated efforts. Today's available resources include 3 helicopters, 4 planes and a bird dog, 5 pieces of heavy equipment, and 7 water tankers.

Just a reminder to all drivers: Within the past week, USPA 24 News has engaged in discussions with multiple police officers, firefighters, and paramedics, who have shared concerns regarding the failure of drivers to yield to emergency responders.

If an emergency vehicle with its lights and sirens activated is approaching, you are required to pull over safely, affording it maximum clearance.

There is a widespread misconception that drivers are not required to yield to emergency vehicles approaching from any direction; however, it is essential to pull over and provide maximum clearance to enable these vehicles to respond safely, particularly considering the large size of fire vehicles, which necessitates extra space to maneuver on roadways.

Pulling over for any emergency vehicle ensures the safety of those responding and the public. You do not need to pull over if an emergency vehicle has their equipment activated and they are on the other side of a twinned highway. Failing to pull over can result in a delayed response while also being subject to a fine. As the emergency vehicle approaches from ahead or behind, move to the right edge or curb of the road and stop completely. Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed, or until you are directed to move by a peace officer. Never follow an emergency fire vehicle within 150 metres. Never drive or park within 150 metres of an emergency vehicle that has stopped to investigate a collision or to give assistance.

Having worked as a first responder, I strongly emphasize the need to prioritize emergency vehicles from all agencies, given that time is of the essence in emergency situations.