Flames rise from the Barrington Lake wildfire in 2023. The Nova Scotia Government has imposed a total burn ban because of the danger of rapidly spreading fires under the current dry conditions.Article contentNo burning. No fireworks. No open fires.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe Nova Scotia government is hoping all that will mean fewer wildfires in the parched forests and wildlands of the province until conditions improve.Article contentArticle contentLate Wednesday it announced a total ban on fires across the province, with weeks of dry weather behind us and no sign of any significant rainfall for two weeks.Article contentScott Tingley, the manager of forest protection for the province’s Department of Natural Resources, said Thursday that with the conditions being what they are and no rain in sight, the total ban became necessary.Article contentArticle contentIt’s in effect until Oct. 15 or until conditions improve significantly.Article content“We’re certainly hoping for (rainy) weather and some relief before the end of the fire season, but if we don’t the restrictions will remain in place. Like everyone else, we’re hoping for some rain long before then,” Tingley said.Article contentNo exceptionsArticle contentMaking it a blanket ban means there is no room for misinterpretation of whether or how someone can have a fire.Article contentTingley said the department is getting questions from people “with some of the ‘what-if’ scenarios: What if I’m in my yard? What if I’m using this type of appliance?”Article contentThe basic answer is there are no what-ifs.Article content“Now is the time to use caution,” Tingley said. “We’re trying to manage the risk, and it means no open fires across the province.”Article contentThe ban applies to open fires such as campfires, bonfires, brush fires, fires in chimeneas and any other fire that uses wood as fuel. Propane appliances and charcoal barbecues are OK because they don’t use wood, which can send off sparks that start a fire.Article contentArticle contentIndustrial burning is also not allowed, and all current permits are considered revoked.Article contentArticle contentRetail fireworks are also banned when a fire ban or restriction in place. The only fireworks that can be set off are those in shows put on by a professional fireworks company that has obtained insurance and the appropriate permits. HRM was still planning as of Thursday to hold its Natal Day fireworks show.Article contentThe fine for violating the ban is $25,000, and tickets are being issued.Article contentHomeowners in Kentville were slapped with one for having a fire during a daily restriction in June.Article contentWhen fires burn deepArticle contentFires right now are burning several feet into the ground, Tingley said.Article content“Crews and fire departments have been getting on the fires quickly and containing the spread, keeping it to a minimum, but they’re having to put significant effort into mopping up and fully extinguishing them,” he said.
No what-ifs: Nova Scotia imposes total ban on fires
