Enormous increase in fine for violating fire bans in N.S.

The provincial government is significantly increasing the fine for violating daily burn restrictions.

The fine jumped to $25,000, up from the previous $237.50. Daily burn restrictions also now apply to provincial, municipal and private campgrounds 

“This was something that was talked about last year, about whether the minimum fine was substantial enough to hinder people from disobeying the burn maps,” Natural Resources minister Tory Rushton told reporters on Thursday.

The 2023 wildfire season was the worst in Nova Scotia’s history with devastating fires in Tantallon and in the Shelburne area.

Premier Tim Houston said people should be checking the daily burn restrictions on the provincial website every day.

“We are seeing what’s happening across the country with significant forest fires burning,” Houston said. “It puts a strain on firefighting resources, so we should do what we can to prepare and encourage prevention.”

As of Monday, there were 41 wildfires reported by the Department of Natural Resources in Nova Scotia. That’s down from 138 this time last year.

“I don’t think it’s as dry as it was last year in the province, but it only takes one day and a good breeze to dry things out even more,” he explained.

The provincial burn safe map is updated every day at 2 p.m. based on data collected across the province. No burning is allowed between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.