**** LANDS/Forestry Media Release
Burn Restrictions Begin March 15
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Warmer, drier weather in the spring increases the risk of wildfires. That is why Nova Scotians should put safety first and check burn restrictions before starting a fire.
Burn restrictions come into effect today, March 15. The BurnSafe map will be updated each day at 2 p.m. to show if burning is permitted that day:
— if a county is shown in green, burning is permitted after 2 p.m.
— if it is shown in yellow, burning is permitted after 7 p.m.
— if it is shown in red, burning is not permitted that day
— the map will appear grey each day between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. to indicate burning is not permitted
The BurnSafe map shows provincial restrictions, which cover domestic brush burning and campfires. Restrictions do not apply to campfires in licensed private, municipal or provincial campgrounds with proper campfire facilities.
“The spring warm-up is right around the corner. It’s easy to go online or follow social media to quickly see if burning is permitted or not in your area,” said Lands and Forestry Minister Chuck Porter. “Following the burn restrictions and knowing municipal bylaws will help keep people safe and reduce the risk of wildfires.”
Restrictions are also available by recorded message by calling the toll-free phone line at 1-855-564-2876 (BURN).
Nova Scotians can contact their nearest Department of Lands and Forestry office for more information on burning and burn restrictions.
In an emergency, wildfires can be reported by calling 1-800-565-2224 or 911.
Quick Facts:
— burn restrictions are in place from March 15 to Oct. 15, when the risk of wildfires is highest
— residents should also check municipal by-laws before burning as rules may vary
— last year, provincial firefighters fought 171 wildfires in the spring and summer months
— the province collects wind, rain, temperature and humidity data from more than 30 stations across the province each day to calculate fire risk and determine if burning is restricted
— industrial burning, which includes clearing agricultural land, clearing blueberry fields under two hectares in size, or burning brush piles larger than two by three metres, requires a permit from the Department of Lands and Forestry
Additional Resources:
BurnSafe map: http://novascotia.ca/burnsafe
Department of Lands and Forestry local office contact information: http://novascotia.ca/natr/staffdir/offices.asp
Frequently asked questions about burning: http://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/wildfire/burnsafe/Q-As.asp
Department of Lands and Forestry Twitter: http://twitter.com/NSLandsForestry
