Cause of Fire in Tobeatic Wilderness Area Determined

NATURAL RESOURCES--Cause of Fire in Tobeatic Wilderness Area Determined

The Department of Natural Resources has determined that a campfire was the cause of May's forest fire in the Tobeatic Wilderness Area in western Nova Scotia.

"A recreational campfire that was not completely extinguished started the fire," said Natural Resources Minister Tim Olive. "It does not take much for a fire to ignite, particularly in the spring when there are a lot of dry materials in the woods."

The size of the fire was 795 hectares and the estimated cost to fight it is more than $100,000.

As of June 22, a total of 195 fires have burned 1260 hectares across the province.

"With the upcoming Canada Day weekend, I encourage all Nova Scotians to enjoy the outdoors but to ensure that all campfires are completely out before leaving the area," said Mr. Olive.