Fire Season Begins

Nova Scotians will need burning permits as of today, April 15, with the start of fire season.

Burning permits have been required in the counties of Queens, Shelburne, Yarmouth, Digby, Annapolis, Kings and Lunenburg since April 1. Fire season continues through to Oct. 15.

"Some people seem to misunderstand the intent of burning permits and feel they can burn only during fire season when permits are available," said Robert Uttaro, supervisor of the fire control division of the Department of Natural Resources. "For the most part, rural residents don't need a burning permit to collect debris and burn it during the winter when there is a protective covering of snow. People should check with their nearest Natural Resources office for local burning regulations."

Burning permits are required to burn non-toxic refuse and debris outdoors once fire season begins. Domestic burning permits cost $5. Industrial permits cost $50. These fees have not changed from previous years. The permits are available at local Natural Resources offices and at some municipal fire departments.

"As Nova Scotia emerges from spring to summer, the forests lose their natural protection provided by the winter snows and spring rains. As the potential for forest fires grows, people must take precautions to prevent fires, and that includes getting a burning permit," said Mr. Uttaro.

There have been an average of 335 forest fires during the last 10 years, each burning an average of 661 hectares. In 2004, the number dropped to 264 fires, with 290 hectares burned.

Ninety-seven per cent of forest fires are caused by people. The top three causes are residential debris and garbage burning, which start 34 per cent of the fires; incendiary devices and arson cause 22 per cent; and recreational activities or accidents, such as campfires and improperly disposed cigarettes, which cause the third largest number of fires.

Fire prevention is one responsibility of the Department of Natural Resources. The fire weather index, and other fire prevention information, is posted daily during fire season on the department's website at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/protection .