BARRINGTON, NS – Fire crews and a helicopter from the provincial Department of Lands and Forestry are battling a forest fire in the backwoods of the Barrington River south of Pubnico Lake.
The fire was detected on Wednesday, Sept. 5 by the chopper crew, who were working to extinguish another fire near Oak Park Lake, said department spokesman Dave Gordan.
That fire is “controlled right now,” said Gordan in an interview the morning of Sept. 7. “The one they are working on today is the Barrington River. The other one is being monitored. We don’t classify it as out until we have a good rain or a good inspection within a few days. It is very dry.”
The first fire was small, less than half an acre, said Gordan. The Barrington River fire “was still gaining under the canopy yesterday,” he said, estimating it had probably burned at least five acres. “Last night we had fog so that helped.”
The fire is located “quite well up the river,” said Gordan, and is being accessed only by the helicopter at this point. There are some ATV trails in the area and access can also be gained going up the river, but the water levels are “really low right now.”
Both fires are near small hunting camps.
“People have been visiting camps. This one could possibly be from a campfire left from the weekend. We’re not sure. It hasn’t been investigated yet as to the origin,” said Gordan. “It could be human cause. Even ATVs this time of year you’ve got hot exhausts and dry grass on mufflers…it can be a threat in certain conditions.”
Gordan said conditions are tinder dry especially in the southwest.
“We’re really dry this year,” he said.
Fire crews are expected to be on the Barrington River fire “for the next couple of days for sure,” said Gordan. “The helicopter is on it again at least today and tomorrow.”
