In Nova Scotia, almost all wildfires are caused by people, so prevention is our first line of defense. Wildfire prevention is everyone’s responsibility and there are two key changes related to provincial burn restrictions during wildfire season. Both changes are effective, May 16 through to the end of wildfire season on October 15.
New Campground Restrictions for Fire Prevention
Open fires (like campfires) are not allowed from 8 am to 2 pm and people need to check the BurnSafe map daily after 2 pm to see restrictions for the day. People can also call 1-855-564-2876 (BURN) for this information.
Devices like gas stoves and charcoal briquette barbeques can be used anytime, following manufacturer’s instructions.
National parks are under the jurisdiction of Parks Canada. Questions about any burning in national parks should be directed to Parks Canada.
Learn about preventing wildfire at: https://novascotia.ca/burnsafe/
Fine Increases to $25,000
Nova Scotia is in the heart of wildfire season. Weather is getting warmer and dryer, putting us at greater risk this time of year.
The Province has just announced that the fine for violating the daily burn restrictions has been increased to $25,000 for this wildfire season. The fine amounts are set in the Summary Offence Ticket Regulations. The $25,000 fine also includes HST and a victim surcharge, bringing the total to $28,872.50.
Conservation officers, police and other law enforcement officers can issue the fine on the spot in the form of a summary offence ticket.
You can see the news release here: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/05/16/large-increase-fine-illegal-burning-during-wildfire-season
BurnSafe Map
Burn restrictions are in place during wildfire season to help protect you and your community. Here’s what you need to know and do:
Open fire burning includes: campfires, burn pits, brush burning, backyard fires and bonfires, backyard chiminea and similar appliances.
There is no open fire burning allowed between 8 am and 2 pm because that’s often when the risk of wildfires is greatest. That’s why the BurnSafe map is red during those hours.
Check the map at 2 p.m. daily to see if burning is allowed in your county:
Please ensure you and your guests follow the daily burn restrictions at https://novascotia.ca/burnsafe/ and don’t start the next wildfire.
Responding to Emergencies
In the event of an emergency like a fire, we have created a Support for Emergency Response resource.