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Province Makes Changes to Burn Restrictions

 

From March 15 to October 15, daily burn restrictions are in place to help prevent wildfires. Under these restrictions, burning is not permitted between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Each day at 2 p.m., the BurnSafe map is updated to show the daily restrictions. People can also call 1-855-564-2876 (BURN) for this information.

 

FINE INCREASE

 

The Province has 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.

 

CAMPGROUNDS

 

The Province also announced that the daily burn restrictions apply to provincial, municipal and private campgrounds this wildfire season.

 

That means open fires (like campfires) are not allowed from 8 am to 2 pm and people need to check the BurnSafe map to see restrictions for the rest of the day.

 

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.

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

 

These changes are in effect via a proclamation under the Forests Act: https://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/wildfire/fire-proclamation_2024-05-15.pdf

 

You can see the news release here: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/05/16/large-increase-fine-illegal-burning-during-wildfire-season