Knowing Grass Fire Myths, Safety Tips Reduces Risks

Knowing grass-fire myths and fire safety tips can help avoid risks to people and property.

"Every year, our fire prevention experts work to remind Nova Scotians not to indulge in the senseless tradition of setting grassfires," said Natural Resources Minister Zach Churchill. "There is no science to support that these fires have any benefit to grass growth or to the overall appearance of lawns."

Despite folklore, burning grass:

• reduces grass growth by 50 to 70 per cent
• does not make the grass come in greener
• helps weeds grow by clearing room in the soil for weed seeds left behind before the snowfall

Grass fires can lead to the loss of forests, houses, barns and wildlife habitat. A complete list of grass-burning myths is available at http://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/wildfire/firecentre/grass-burning.asp .

Campfires and brush-pile fires are also riskier in warm, dry weather. It is illegal to burn between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. during wildfire risk season, March 15 – Oct. 15. If you have to burn, it is best to burn later in the day and with a water source close at hand. The burning restrictions map that shows when and where it is safe and legal to have a campfire or burn a brush pile is at www.novascotia.ca/burnsafe . It is updated daily at 2 p.m.</a>

The province spent close to $1 million fighting wildfires last year. There have been 92 wildfires so far this season. More than 99 per cent of all wildlfires are started by people.

If you spot a wildfire, report it by calling 1-800-565-2224 or 911.