Find out the latest on current wildfire prevention measures

N.S. Wildfire-Risk Season Restrictions and Bans

All of the information shown here has been adapted from the Government of Nova Scotia website: https://news.novascotia.ca

Provincewide Burn Ban in Effect

Photo Courtesy: Government of Nova Scotia

Because of hot, dry conditions, there is a ban on open fires effective immediately across the entire province.

The ban was put in place today, July 30, and will remain in place until October 15 – the end of wildfire season – or until conditions improve. The fine for violating the ban is $25,000.

“We’ve had a lot of hot, dry weather, very little rain and there’s no significant rain in the forecast in the near future,” said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources. “We’ve had a lot of small, manageable fires this month and conditions are now ripe for any small fire to grow larger. Nobody wants a repeat of the devastation we experienced in 2023. I ask all Nova Scotians to co-operate, respect the burn ban and save their campfires and other open fires for a safer time.”

The ban applies to open fires such as campfires, bonfires, brush fires, fires in chimeneas and any other fire that is not enclosed and uses wood as the fuel. Unlike gas or charcoal fires, sparks could escape from an open wood fire and cause a wildfire.

Non-woodburning devices like charcoal and gas barbeques and gas stoves are allowed to be used, following manufacturer’s instructions.

Quick Facts:

the ban was put in place through a proclamation under the Forests Act
the Province’s BurnSafe map, which lets people know where and when burning is permitted, will remain red while the proclamation is in effect, meaning open fires are not allowed
the proclamation overrides any permits that have been issued for industrial burning
the ban applies to all private property and provincial lands, including parks and protected areas; the Province does not have jurisdiction over federal land
people are not banned from entering the woods at this time, but that is another possible tool to help reduce the risk of wildfires, if needed

Additional Resources:

Burn ban proclamation: https://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/wildfire/fire-proclamation_2025-07-30.pdf

Information on fire restrictions and the BurnSafe map: https://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/wildfire/burnsafe/Q-As.asp

Forests Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/forests.pdf

Travel, Activities in Woods Restricted to Prevent Wildfires

Photo Courtesy: Government of Nova Scotia

The Province is restricting travel and activities in the woods because continued hot, dry conditions have greatly increased the risk of wildfires.

The restrictions, effective as of 4 p.m. today, August 5, include:

hiking, camping, fishing and the use of vehicles in the woods are not permitted
trail systems through woods are off limits
camping is allowed only in campgrounds.

These and other measures are in place on provincial Crown and private land until October 15 or until conditions allow them to be lifted. The fine for violating the restrictions is $25,000.

“Conditions continue to be extremely dry. Until we get a significant amount of rain, we’re at an elevated risk of wildfires,” said Premier Tim Houston. “Most wildfires are caused by human activity, so to reduce the risk, we’re keeping people out of the woods until conditions improve. I’m asking everyone to do the right thing – don’t light that campfire, stay out of the woods and protect our people and communities.”

Forestry, mining and any commercial activity on provincial Crown lands are also restricted. People who conduct this kind of activity can apply for a permit at their local Department of Natural Resources office.

While the restrictions are in place, people can still access beaches and parks, but not the trail systems. Private landowners are free to use their own properties but cannot host others to use wooded areas of their properties.

Quotes:

“We’ve had about 100 wildfires this season. They’ve all been small and put out quickly, but that could change in a heartbeat in these dry conditions. I ask everyone to co-operate, stay out of the woods and be sensible in applying these rules to help keep our people and our communities safe.” — Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources

Quick Facts:

the restrictions were put in place through a proclamation under the Forests Act
people with questions about the restrictions can call their local Department of Natural Resources office
a provincewide ban on open fires started on July 30 and will remain in place until October 15 or until conditions improve; the fine for violating the ban is $25,000

Additional Resources:

Woods restrictions proclamation: https://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/wildfire/woods-proclamation_2025-08-05.pdf

News release – Provincewide Burn Ban in Effect: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/07/30/provincewide-burn-ban-effect

Department of Natural Resources offices: https://novascotia.ca/natr/staffdir/offices_map.asp

Natural Resources on X: https://x.com/NS_DNR

Fireworks Banned Provincewide

To protect communities across Nova Scotia and lower the risk of wildfires, the Province has banned the use of all fireworks.

As of today, August 6, all fireworks and pyrotechnic special effects are not permitted as long as a burn ban is in effect. There is currently a ban in place until October 15 or until conditions allow it to be lifted. The fine for violating the fireworks ban is $25,000.

The new ban applies to consumer and display fireworks and pyrotechnic special effects even if they have the appropriate approvals.

Quick Facts:

a provincewide ban on open fires started on July 30 and will remain in place until October 15 or until conditions improve
travel and activities in woods were restricted as of August 5, until October 15 or until conditions improve
people with questions about woods restrictions can call their local Department of Natural Resources office