News release

Fire and Woods Travel Ban Still in Effect

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

With no significant wet weather in the forecast, Natural Resources Minister Ernest Fage reminds Nova Scotians that a provincewide ban on open fires and woods travel is still in effect.

"We have not had the amount of rain necessary to reduce the risks of forest fires," said Mr. Fage. "In order to improve the moisture levels of the fuels, which includes trees, grasses and soil, we need consistent rainfall over a four to five day period."

Although temperatures are cooling and moisture is more evident in the early and late parts of the day, the lack of significant rainfall has not provided any relief for Nova Scotia's tinder dry woodlands.

Both the open fire ban and the woods travel ban have been in place since the beginning of August. The department recognizes that the bans caused some interruption to the plans of many Nova Scotians and tourists alike. Since the end of July, there have been 112 forest fires across the province consuming 177 hectares of woodlands. This year's forest fire season has already exhausted the fire fighting budget of the Department of Natural Resources and the risk of more fires has not yet diminished.

"The public have been very supportive of the imposed bans despite their desire to return to woods for work and recreation," said Mr. Fage. "I commend the public and the forest industry for doing as much as possible to help prevent forest fires and ask them to continue with their support."

Fire and travel bans were imposed in 1997 and 1998, when record hot temperatures scorched the province's resources. This year the restricted travel is, for the first time, extending into fall events such as early hunting seasons and other planned activities requiring woodland access. Originally, both bans were being imposed until Sept. 15, however with no relief in sight it may be necessary to extend them into late September.

"Our forest protection staff monitor the weather and moisture of the fuels on a daily basis," said the minister. "As soon as we are confident with a reduction in risk due to increased rainfall, Natural Resources will quickly lift the bans."

In the meantime, if Nova Scotians have specific recreational or industrial needs in any area of the province, please call the district offices of Natural Resources. Some permits may be issued depending on the location and weather conditions at the time of request.