Wildfire Season Burn Restrictions – Large Fine Increase & Other Changes Announced by Province

Posted on:
May 16, 2024

Effective May 16, 2024 — Fines increased to over $25,000

The Province of Nova Scotia has announced a large increase to the fine for violating burn restrictions during wildfire season, which now applies to Provincial, Municipal and Private Campgrounds. The Q&A below provides the details of the news release and restrictions.

Q. When is Wildfire Season in Nova Scotia?

A. 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.

Q. What do the colours on the Burnsafe map mean?

A. Each day at 2 p.m., the Burnsafe map is updated to show the daily restrictions:

• red means burning is not permitted that day
• yellow means burning is permitted after 7 p.m.
• green means burning is permitted after 2 p.m.

Q. What is the fine for violating the burn restrictions?

A. The Province of Nova Scotia 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.

Q. Who issues the fines?

A. Conservation officers, police and other law enforcement officers can issue the fine on the spot in the form of a summary offence ticket.

Q. What about campfires?

A. The Province has 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 like the Cape Breton National Park, are under the jurisdiction of Parks Canada. Questions about any burning in national parks should be directed to Parks Canada. General information and non-urgent assistance can be obtained through Parks Canada’s information line at 1-888-773-8888.