In response to an intensifying wildfire threat fueled by weeks of hot, dry weather, the Nova Scotia government has enacted sweeping restrictions on travel and activities in wooded areas across the province.
Effective as of 4 p.m. on August 5, the ban prohibits hiking, camping, fishing, and the use of vehicles such as ATVs in forested regions, including both Crown and private lands. The restrictions are expected to remain in place until October 15, or until conditions improve.
Premier Tim Houston urged residents to take the warning seriously:
“We are telling Nova Scotians to stay out of the woods,” he said during a press conference.
What’s Off-Limits?
- All trail systems through wooded areas
- Forested land, rock barrens, brush land, dry marshes, bogs, and muskeg
- Use of vehicles in wooded terrain
- Hosting guests for outdoor activities on private forested property
Parks Canada also announced several closures effective as of 12 p.m. on Aug. 6:
- All trails in Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site
- Backcountry camping at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site
- All trails at Kejimkujik National Park Seaside
- York Redoubt National Historic Site
- Fort McNab National Historic Site
- Melanson Settlement National Historic Site
✅ What’s Still Allowed?
- Camping in designated campgrounds
- Access to beaches, playgrounds, sports fields, and other non-wooded park areas
- Use of charcoal and gas barbecues, as long as they’re enclosed and follow safety guidelines
Penalties & Enforcement
Violators of the ban face a $25,000 fine, matching the penalty already in place for the province-wide burn ban. Officials have already issued several fines for breaches of fire restrictions.
️Why Now?
The province has seen minimal rainfall in recent weeks, and forecasts show no significant precipitation ahead. Fire departments have raised concerns about low water levels and their ability to respond to emergencies.
Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton emphasized the urgency:
“We’ve had a lot of hot, dry weather, very little rain, and there’s no significant rain in the forecast,” he said, urging forestry operations to shift to nighttime hours to reduce fire risk.
️Looking Ahead
While the woods are off-limits, officials encourage residents and tourists to explore Nova Scotia’s coastal parks, beaches, and open green spaces. Businesses and tour operators are being asked to adjust programming and inform visitors of the new rules.
In an interview with CBC News, ATVANS Executive Director, Barry Barnet says the member clubs have about six or seven events planned over the next month but it's not the first time rallies and runs have had to be re-scheduled due to weather conditions.
"They're all things that can occur later in the year, so its a matter of waiting for the rain and then moving the dates so they comply with the Ministerial order"
For updates and details on the restrictions, visit Nova Scotia’s wildfire prevention page.
