Fire Precautions Urged

Nova Scotians are being reminded to use extreme caution with open fires as provincial and municipal firefighters continue to battle grass and brush fires across the province.

On Tuesday, May 8, there were more than 30 fires across the province, stretching all firefighting resources to the limit. Areas of Cape Breton have been particularly hard hit, with about 20 additional fires being reported today, May 9.

Although most fires have been surface fires which do not burn deep into the ground, the wind and dry forests have made firefighting difficult.

As a result, many district offices of the Department of Natural Resources have temporarily stopped issuing burning permits. The permits are needed for anyone who wishes to start an open fire within 1,000 feet of a wooded area.

While the potential risk of a serious wildfire changes often during the course of a day, the Department of Natural Resources wildfire index shows that much of the province is at high risk of an intense wildfire should a smaller blaze take hold.

As an added precaution, the province has asked for additional equipment support from Newfoundland and Labrador.

A CL 215 airtanker from Newfoundland and Labrador is expected to arrive in the Sydney area later today. The airtanker has a 1,200 gallon capacity, compared to a 90 gallon capacity of department helicopters, allowing Department of Natural Resources crews better coverage while dousing fires.

Nova Scotia is a full participating member of a national organization that allows provinces to share critical forest fire resources. The agreement provides rapid assistance and standardized costs for the benefit of all Canadian fire agencies.