News

Increase in Fines - Illegal Burning During Wildfire Season

Published: May 16, 2024

The Province has increased the fine for violating the daily burn restrictions to $25,000, effective today, May 16, 2024. 

The fine amounts are set in the Summary Offence Ticket Regulations. The $25,000 fine also includes HST and a victim surcharge, bringing the total to $28,872.50.

Conservation officers, police, and other law enforcement officers can issue the fine on the spot in the form of a summary offense ticket.

From March 15 to October 15, daily burn restrictions are in place to help prevent wildfires. Burning is not permitted anywhere in the province between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. because that is often when the risk of wildfires is greatest. The BurnSafe map remains red during those hours every day.

Each day at 2 p.m., the BurnSafe map is updated to show the daily restrictions. People can also call 1-855-564-2876 (BURN) for this information.

CAMPGROUNDS

The Province also announced that the daily burn restrictions apply to provincial, municipal, and private campgrounds this wildfire season.

That means open fires (like campfires) are not allowed from 8 am to 2 pm and people need to check the BurnSafe map to see restrictions for the rest of the day.

Devices like gas stoves and charcoal briquette barbeques can be used anytime, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

National parks are under the jurisdiction of Parks Canada. Questions about any burning in national parks should be directed to Parks Canada.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

These changes are in effect via a proclamation under the Forests Act: https://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/wildfire/fire-proclamation_2024-05-15.pdf

You can see the news release here: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/05/16/large-increase-fine-illegal-burning-during-wildfire-season