Ban on Open Fires

Natural Resources Minister Tim Olive has announced there will be a ban on open fires in Nova Scotia effective at noon on Friday, Aug. 16. The ban will remain in effect until further notice.

"With no rain in sight in the immediate future we have to take the lack of moisture in our forests very seriously," said Mr. Olive. "The extreme heat has driven up the forest fire index resulting in our decision to ban open fires. We must protect our woodlands."

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

To date, 205 forest fires have consumed 207 hectares of land this year.

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