Nova Scotia wildfire restriction roundup — what's allowed and what's not

As wildfires continue to grow in the province, there are a number of restrictions and limitations in place to help efforts to contain them.

Provincewide ban in effect on all travel and activity in forests

Anjuli Patil · CBC News · Posted: May 31, 2023 1:33 PM EDT | Last Updated: June 1, 2023

Educating residents about dos and don'ts 'doesn't seem to be working,' deputy fire chief says

2 years ago

1:06

Roy Hollett, deputy chief with Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency said there was a report Tuesday night of someone using a burn barrel as a wildfire burns out of control near Halifax.

With wildfires burning out of control in two areas of the province, there are restrictions in place aimed at preventing more fires from starting.

In the Halifax area, a fire has already damaged or destroyed 200 homes and other structures. In Shelburne County, the province's largest wildfire on record is expected to grow even bigger.

The restrictions are in place until June 25 or until conditions improve.

Open fires banned

There is a provincewide ban on open fires. Open fires are not permitted anywhere in the province. This ban applies to provincial parks, private campgrounds, backyard campfires, brush burning and fireworks.

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In a news release on Wednesday, the province increased the fine for breaking the open burn ban from $237.50 to $25,000.

"Any person responsible for fire spread can also be required to pay all expenses related to controlling or extinguishing the fire, and all related fire damages," the Halifax Regional Municipality said in a news release.

'Don't be stupid': No open fires, Halifax mayor says

2 years ago

1:15

Halifax Mayor Mike Savage says city officials had eight calls for open burning Tuesday night, even as dangerous wildfires stretched fire crews to the limits. 'Stop doing that,' Savage said, adding charges will be laid against those who are burning outdoors.

Where do barbecues stand?

For most areas of Nova Scotia, barbecues are still allowed but there are exceptions.

Nova Scotia's Department of Resources and Renewables says propane fireplaces, barbecues and charcoal barbecues (with charcoal briquettes only) are permitted for now — and as long as you're using the recommended fuel. Do not add wood or garbage.

The department said to properly dispose of charcoal ash, it must be completely cooled. Then it must be wrapped in aluminum foil and safely dispose in regular garbage.

In a news release on Wednesday, Parks Canada said charcoal barbecues are not allowed, but propane and gas camp stoves, barbecues, fire pits and lanterns are permitted on campsites, "but should be used with caution."

A split side. The red half shows what's not allowed — fireworks and campfires. The green half shows what is allowed — barbeques. — Nova Scotia Natural Resources and Renewables posted this photo showing what was allowed and not allowed during the open burn ban. (Nova Scotia Natural Resources and Renewables)

No travel in the woods

There is also a ban on all travel and activity in Nova Scotia forests, including hiking, fishing, camping and off-road vehicle use.

The use of off-highway vehicles is banned within the limits of Halifax Regional Municipality as long as the local state of emergency is in effect.

People can still access beaches and provincial parks, but trail systems are closed. Camping is only allowed on campgrounds.

The province said the restrictions apply to Crown and private land. It said private landowners can use their own properties, "but cannot host others to use wooded areas of their properties."

Wooded areas of municipal parks closed

Wooded areas of municipal parks are closed, but non-wooded parks — like the Halifax Common and Sullivan's Pond — are open.

Heavily wooded parks like Shubie Park, Point Pleasant Park and Admiral Cove Park are fully closed, but non-wooded areas of parks — like playgrounds and sport fields — are open.

The following provincial parks are closed: