Ban on Open Fires

Natural Resources Minister Tim Olive has announced a ban on open fires in the western area of Nova Scotia. The ban will go into effect at 12 noon Saturday, July 5 and remain until further notice.

All areas of the province west of the centre line of Highway 102
are covered by the fire ban.

"With no significant rain forecast in the immediate future we have to take the lack of moisture in our forests very seriously," said Mr. Olive. "The recent dry conditions and warm weather have driven up the forest fire index, resulting in our decision to ban open fires in western Nova Scotia. We must protect our woodlands and I encourage everyone to take extra care when in the woods."

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

So far this year, 204 forest fires have consumed about 1,270 hectares of land.

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