Following daily burn restrictions ‘vital’
Wildfire season in Nova Scotia runs from March 15 to Oct. 15
Annapolis Valley residents are being reminded to follow burn restrictions as the wildfire season begins across the province.
The season runs from March 15 to Oct. 15. In 2021, there were 113 wildfires in Nova Scotia, including 22 in Kings County burning 5.53 hectares.
“Warm, dry weather in the spring increases the risk of wildfires,” said a news release from Dan Stovel, Kings Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO) co-ordinator.
“That is why Nova Scotians should put safety first and check burn restrictions before starting a fire. Prevention by following the daily burn restrictions is vital. The burn restrictions are set for public safety and indicative of the peak/driest conditions.”
The province’s BurnSafe map (www.novascotia.ca/ burnsafe) is updated each day at 2 p.m. to show if burning is permitted that day. Information is also available via phone at 1-855-564-2876.
Here are some more details about the map:
• the map will appear grey each day between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. to indicate burning is
not permitted;
• if a county is shown in green, burning is permitted between 2 p.m. and 8 a.m.
• if it is shown in yellow, burning is permitted between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m.
• if it is shown in red, burning is not permitted that day.
The news release said that industrial burning permits are still required if people are clearing land, burning blueberry fields of more than two hectares or are burning piles larger than two by three metres and more than one at a time. The permits are available by calling the Kentville office at 902-679-6097. The permits will require a site visit from officials with the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables.
“The frequency of fires changes throughout the fire season,” the release said. “May and August traditionally have been the busiest months for wildfires. May is when what we call ‘spring dip’ occurs and the trees energy is put into the new spring foliage making timber drier. Correct moisture content is low and is usually before green-up or just at green-up mid-May to first week of June.”
Homes and businesses, particularly those near wooded areas, should take steps to prepare for the season and prevent loss or damage. Information can be founded at https://firesmartcanada.ca/ homeowners/protect-yourhome/.
Anyone who sees a wildfire, are asked to report it by calling 911. Anyone observing an illegal fire (not a wildfire), are asked to call the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables at 1-800-565-2224.