A man has been fined $25,000 following an inquiry into the largest wildfire in Nova Scotia’s history. Dalton Stewart, aged 23, received the penalty in Barrington provincial court and opted not to address the court. The fine, a joint recommendation from the prosecution and defense, also mandates completing educational training on wildfire prevention.
Stewart had previously pleaded guilty to a charge under the Forest Act, with two other charges being either dismissed or withdrawn. Court records revealed that Stewart confessed to igniting a tire on private land near Barrington Lake while inebriated with friends on May 25, 2023. Despite attempting to extinguish the fire before leaving the area, he acknowledged not taking adequate measures to prevent its spread or confirm its complete extinguishment.
The Barrington Lake wildfire, which scorched over 23,000 hectares, destroyed around 60 structures, and displaced thousands of residents. Senior Crown attorney Brian Cox acknowledged the severity of the fire but commended Stewart for cooperating with authorities as a mitigating factor. Cox emphasized that while no sentence could erase the devastation caused, the imposed fine of $25,000 was substantial considering the circumstances.
Judge Paul Scovil expressed the inadequacy of any sentence in addressing the harm inflicted, particularly condemning the act as reckless given the dry conditions. Melissa Nickerson, a victim who lost her home to the wildfire, tearfully recounted the emotional and financial toll her family endured, including PTSD.
The municipalities of Barrington and Shelburne issued a joint statement following the sentencing, emphasizing a focus on recovery and resilience for affected communities. Despite the outcome, Chief Darrell Locke of the Shelburne volunteer fire department expressed disappointment, advocating for stricter penalties to deter similar incidents in the future.
Stewart’s lawyer, Philip Star, highlighted his client’s modest income and commitment to pay the fine over 18 to 24 months. Star underscored Stewart’s acceptance of responsibility and referenced an RCMP investigation that found no basis for arson charges. Additionally, he suggested the possibility of other fires in the vicinity contributing to the wildfire.