HALIFAX - Officials in Nova Scotia say crews are bracing for a difficult couple of days of firefighting in the Annapolis Valley as the largest blaze in the province continues to gain ground.

The wildfire near Long Lake, about 125 kilometres northwest from Halifax, has surpassed 82 square kilometres in size, Dave Steeves, with the Department of Natural Resources, told reporters Wednesday. "Minimal" rain fell in the area on Monday, Steeves said, adding that while the rainfall was helpful in the short term, the positive effect of the rain is now being lost as flames reduce the moisture in the air.

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