Fire Season Starts Early

Natural Resources Minister Brooke Taylor has signed an order declaring that forest fire season throughout Nova Scotia will officially start on Saturday, April 1.

"Extraordinarily dry conditions and a lack of snow this winter and spring have left much of the province's woodland dry and prone to forest fire," said Mr. Taylor. "In fact, we've had real trouble with grass fires burning into woods. These fires can flare up and create serious damage.

"Although forest fire season usually begins around mid-April," said Mr. Taylor, "for public safety, Nova Scotians in all counties are required to get a burning permit, starting April 1, if they want to burn brush within 305 metres (1,000 feet) of the woods.

"We understand people want to clean up their yards and enjoy the spring weather, but we also need to remember that fires spread easily and can cause extensive damage, to both homes and forests," added Mr. Taylor.

The price for a burning permit is the same as last year -- $5 for a domestic permit, $50 for an industrial permit. For more information, contact a Department of Natural Resources office.