Ban on Open Fires

Natural Resources Minister Ernest Fage has announced there will be a ban on open fires in Nova Scotia effective at noon today, Friday, July 27. The ban will remain until further notice.

"With the limited rainfall in the last few weeks, we have to take the lack of moisture in our forests very seriously," said Mr. Fage. "The extreme heat has driven up the forest fire index forcing the decision to ban open fires. We are being proactive in protecting our woodlands."

Although open fires are banned on all private and Crown lands, the use of barbecues and camp stoves is permitted. As well, campfires are allowed in approved fire grills in designated federal, provincial, municipal and private campgrounds,

To date, 259 forest fires have consumed only 215 hectares of land this year, which is less than half the area burned by this time last year.

Officials at the Fire Control Centre in Shubenacadie said considerable rainfall is needed before the high risk of forest fires is significantly reduced.