Fire Threat Rises in Mainland Forests

Forest fires and the threat of fires remain atop the news in Nova Scotia, as officials respond to the extreme conditions with extreme restrictions.

A total ban on open fires is in effect for all of mainland Nova Scotia, as shown in the red/grey photo. This includes fires on private property and beaches. More than that, officials have also restricted travel into the woods, by any means, whether on an all terrain vehicle or even on foot.

The unusually long run of hot, dry weather has produced explosively dangerous conditions across the province. Crews are fighting wildfires near Kejimkujik National Park which borders Queens and Annapolis Counties, and officials want to limit fire sources in other areas.

Humans account for 97% of all forest fires, while lightning is to blame for the remainder. It is human carelessness that leads to most fires, including tossed cigarettes, campfires not properly extinguished, or arson. But just the presence of human activity, like sparks from a passing train, has also resulted in outbreaks. Keeping people out of the woods during dangerously dry periods is the most effective way to stave off wildfires.

Burning restrictions are posted online by the Department of Natural Resources at http://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/wildfire/burnsafe/. Given the province’s reputation for fickle weather, the fire conditions and restrictions are updated daily.

Conditions in the Six Rivers Region are currently shown as moderate, but the forecast indicates the danger is rising, so officials predict our index will be “high” later today.