Wildfire Restrictions Lifting in Some Nova Scotia Counties

Strategic Insights -

After weeks of extreme dryness and wildfires, some counties in Nova Scotia are being cleared for outdoor activities in the woods, with restrictions lifted in seven counties as of today, August 29. However, the burn ban remains in place throughout the province until October 15. The decision to lift restrictions is based on data modeling that shows a decrease in wildfire risk, but the situation remains hazardous in other areas, where restrictions will continue.

Key Takeaways:

  • The woods restrictions were lifted in seven counties: Cape Breton, Richmond, Victoria, Inverness, Guysborough, Antigonish, and Halifax, as of August 29.
  • The burn ban, which started on July 30, remains in place throughout the province until October 15 or until conditions improve.
  • Restrictions in 11 counties (Pictou, Colchester, Cumberland, Hants, Lunenburg, Kings, Annapolis, Queens, Shelburne, Digby, and Yarmouth) remain in place until October 15 or until conditions allow.
  • The fine for violating the restrictions or burn ban is $25,000.
  • Decisions on restricting woods access are based on data modeling that measures dry, flammable material accumulated in forests.
  • The woods restrictions were initially put in place through a proclamation under the Forests Act on August 5.
  • Hunting season will proceed as usual in counties where restrictions are lifted.
  • Goose hunting in non-wooded, open spaces can resume starting September 1.

Statistics:

  • 7 counties have restrictions lifted: Cape Breton, Richmond, Victoria, Inverness, Guysborough, Antigonish, and Halifax.
  • 11 counties still have restrictions in place: Pictou, Colchester, Cumberland, Hants, Lunenburg, Kings, Annapolis, Queens, Shelburne, Digby, Yarmouth.
  • Provincewide burn ban remains in place until October 15 or until conditions improve.
  • Fine for violating restrictions or burn ban is $25,000.
  • Data modeling measures dry, flammable material accumulated in forests to determine woods access restrictions.

Sources:

  • "August 5 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
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