The Nova Scotia government announced that it will ban hiking, camping, fishing and using vehicles such as ATVs in the woods due to the increased risk of wildfires.
Camping at campgrounds is still allowed, but under the new rules, the trail system through the woods is a no-stop zone.
Rules for provincial crown lands have been laid out until October 15, or until weather conditions allow them to rise.
The fine for breach of the injunction is $25,000.
In addition to the trail system, the public still has access to the beaches and parks.
Tim Houston said in a press conference Tuesday that these proactive measures were a “small cost” as hot conditions in the province continue to exist to avoid the 2023 province where wildfires destroyed more than 200 homes.
“I feel sleepless about what is happening,” Houston said, noting over 700 active wildfires and stretched fire resources burning in Canada.
Lots of sunshine, no rain in the Nova Scotia forecast
Meteorologist Ryan Snoddon explains when the province can expect wet weather to come back.
He said the government had received briefings showing that rainfall for underage was not predicted.
Land owners are encouraged to voluntarily follow the same restrictions on private land to minimize the risk of wildfires. Although landowners will not face fines for activities such as hiking in their own woods, any guests found to violate the ban can be fined.
Canadian Parks have also announced several closures:
- All trails in Cape Breton National Park
- All trails at the Louisburg National Historic Site
- Caodao, including boat services to and from the island
- All forested areas of Breton Heights National Park, barren and remote areas, including unspecified remote areas camping
- Designated outdoor camping in Fishing Bay
- All trails in Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Sites
- Wild camping at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Sites
- All trails by the sea in Kejimkujik National Park
- York Fortress National Historic Site
- McNabborg National Historic Site
- Melanson Settlement National Historic Site
However, camping, beaches and daily use areas (including Jakes Landing equipment rental) in Kejimkujik and Breton Highlands National Parks and will remain open. The highway that makes up the Cabot trail remains open.
National parks also have a full fire ban.
National historic sites include Halifax Castle, George Island, Fort Anne, Port Royal, Grand Parr, Fort Edward, Bobasin, Lawrenceburg and Louisburg Fortress will remain open.
All-night accommodation and camping camping at Louisburg National Historic Site.
Previous bans were in 2001, 2016, 2023
Travel and activities in the woods were also banned in May 2023, and the province fought against two major wildfires that destroyed hundreds of houses. These restrictions are initially for a proper four weeks, or until they are lifted. The restrictions were lifted about a week later.
Bans were also imposed in 2016 and 2001 due to fire and dry conditions.
Halifax Park restrictions
The city of Halifax imposes restrictions on park space. The city said in a press release Tuesday that it is closing parks that are completely wooded. It said non-timber areas such as green spaces, playgrounds, sports fields and ball diamonds will remain open for use.
In parks with existing woods and non-timber areas, timber is closed, while non-timber areas remain open. The supervised beaches at the municipal park will remain open.
A city spokesperson said in an email to CBC News that the main trails at the Point of Pleasant Park will remain open, while the secondary trails will be closed.
City staff are posting signs on affected spaces, although this may take several days.
“These restrictions must be followed regardless of whether the sign exists or not,” the municipal authority said in a press release.
Forestry, mining is affected
New provincial rules extend to the forestry and mining sectors, and companies will have to obtain licenses and work most of the night to minimize risk.
“It’s a bad situation,” Houston admitted.
But, he said: “We have to do everything we can to protect each other.”
In an interview with CBC Radio Nova Scotia On Tuesday, the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources Forest Conservation Manager said it was important for people to stay wise and to comply with restrictions.
“If they're not sure if the activity they want to do allows – we're trying to provide as much clarity as possible again, we'll continue to do it for the next few days – but if they're not sure, the best thing to do is not.”
Tingley said it's time to be cautious.
“We just have to go through this stretch together, without any fire.”
So far, the executive director of the Nova Scotia All-Terrain Vehicle Association said that the feedback from members mainly supports safety.
Barry Barnet said it could reschedule ATV events planned for next month.
“They are gatherings and jamborees, these things,” he said. “They are all things that could happen later this year.”
Last week, a ban on fires also occurred across the province. It will be effective until October 15 or conditions will improve.
At a press conference, Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton said that around 100 small wildfires have been extinguished so far this season.
“But that might change the heartbeat,” Rushton said.