A helicopter assisting with firefighting efforts near Chelsea, Lunenburg County. Photo: Facebook.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has requested a helicopter to assist with firefighting efforts in Chelsea, Lunenburg County after a forest fire was discovered Tuesday morning.

Eye-witness reports say the fire is near New Elm Road and indicate smoke can be seen from over 10 kilometers away and they.

DNR has since dispatched crews to the scene who are expected to monitor the fire until sunset.

Firefighters are also hoping the rainfall that has been forecasted on Tuesday and Wednesday starts soon as they continue to face challenges with their containment efforts due to dry conditions.

DNR is currently involved in two active forest fires, with the other fire taking place in Shelburne County near Little Harbour. It is currently 56 hectares in size and 25 per cent contained.