Open fires banned across N.S. until Oct. 15 amid tinder-dry conditions
A news release on Wednesday said the ban would be in effect until Oct. 15 — the end of wildfire season — or until conditions improve. The fine for violating the ban is $25,000.
Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton said in the news release that there is no significant rain in the forecast in the near future.
"We've had a lot of small, manageable fires this month, and conditions are now ripe for any small fire to grow larger," he said.
"Nobody wants a repeat of the devastation we experienced in 2023. I ask all Nova Scotians to co - operate, respect the burn ban and save their campfires and other open fires for a safer time."
The province experienced two major wildfires in 2023, one in Shelburne County and one in Upper Tantallon in the Halifax Regional Municipality.
The ban announced Wednesday applies to open fires such as campfires, bonfires, brush fires, fires in chimneys and anything else that is not enclosed and uses wood as a fuel source. It does not apply to non-wood-burning devices such as charcoal and gas barbecues.
The ban overrides any permits that have been issued for industrial burning. Although it applies to all private property and provincial lands, including parks, it does not apply to federal land.
Parks Canada did not immediately respond to a request about whether it will enact similar measures at its Nova Scotia locations. There were already partial burn restrictions in place at Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Kejimkujik National Park.
Scott Tingley, manager of forest protection for Nova Scotia's Natural Resources Department, told CBC News that there have been instances of people not following the rules and there have been fines issued this season.
"We're certainly concerned and we're trying to reinforce the message to follow the burn restrictions," he said in an interview before the ban was announced.
Despite the dry conditions, Tingley said the number of fires and areas burned this season are below average. He said officials believe the experience of 2023 had an effect in helping people be more aware of restrictions.
"We hope this dry stretch will be temporary and we're just asking everyone to pitch in and help prevent fires."
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