NS Fine for Illegal Burning Skyrockets

The ban on open fires has taken on a new significance with numerous wildfires destroying properties and scattering people from their homes.

To show the government means business, the current fine of $237.50 has been boosted to $25 thousand.

The province has a rating system for fire danger and has posted daily updates, including outright fire bans for many years.

However, the recent outbreak of serious and threatening fires prompted the province to ban open fires right across Nova Scotia, a measure design to limit the outbreak of new fires.

Last night, fire departments in various regions, were paged for six illegal burn calls, including one in Pugwash — the second in two days. That prompted the Province to increase the fine for ignoring the order.

The Natural Resources Minister says, “We need all Nova Scotians to take the wildfire situation as seriously as we are. We are still finding cases of illegal burning, and it has to stop.” 

Tory Rushton added, “We're taking every measure to prevent new fires from starting. All Nova Scotians need to do their part — follow the burn ban, stay out of the woods, and help keep your families and communities safe.”

The increased fine does not apply to the ban on entering the woods. The fine for violating that ban remains at $237.50.

While most provincial and municipal parks remain open, wooded areas are off limits, so provincial parks that are primarily trails are closed. 

For information on affected parks, go to: https://parks.novascotia.ca.

For details on burn restrictions, go to: https://novascotia.ca/burnsafe/.

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