“Nova Scotia Issues $288K+ in Fines for Violating Burn Restrictions”

Authorities in Nova Scotia have issued 10 fines exceeding $25,000 each to individuals allegedly breaching burn restrictions this year due to dry conditions heightening the wildfire risk across the province. Minister of Natural Resources Tory Rushton revealed that seven fines were given out by conservation officers under the Forests Act since the fine was permanently raised in May. Nova Scotia RCMP also issued three fines under the act during May, June, and July. With additional charges, the total penalty amounts to $28,872.50, resulting in over $288,000 in fines and charges issued this year. The expanded regulations now cover infringements such as a ban on hiking, camping, fishing, and the use of vehicles like ATVs in forested areas. Scott Tingley, the forest protection manager at the Natural Resources Department, emphasized the critical need for wildfire prevention efforts due to the prevailing dry conditions. Bans on wilderness travel and activities were enforced in May 2023 while the province grappled with destructive wildfires. Previous bans were also imposed in 2016 and 2001 due to fire outbreaks and dry weather. Various agencies, including Natural Resources, police departments, and the RCMP, have the authority to impose fines under the Forests Act. Last year, a total of 16 fines were issued by Natural Resources and RCMP, resulting in over $460,000 in fines and fees. Rushton mentioned that approximately 100 minor wildfires have been extinguished swiftly in Nova Scotia this season.