Wildfire


Forest Fire Science is the study of forest fires. More specifically, it is the analysis of the components of fire...its behaviour, history, ecology, as well as its spatial and temporal patterns.


  1. Fire behaviour is predicted according to the Canadian Forest Fire Danger Rating System Fire Behaviour Prediction model. The model was based on fire behavior in central and western Canada but can also be applied in Nova Scotia.
  2. Fire has been a factor in the forests of Nova Scotia since there have been trees here. It plays a role in the "look" of the landscape although its role is somewhat changed now with the effects of fire suppression and human settlement.
  3. Fire locations are closely tied to where people live. Densely populated areas frequently have many fires, while remote areas have few. Relatively few (about 3%) fires are started by lightning.
  4. The frequency of fires changes thoughout the fire season (April to October). May is usually the busiest month due to the fact that vegetation hasn't fully come out of dormancy and begun to grow. The moisture content of these fuels is low, making them are more flammable. This is known as a "before green up" condition.
  5. Nova Scotia has a relatively wet climate, thus the number of fires that typically occur in an average season is low compared to drier provinces.