Alerts

LONG LAKE WILDFIRES COMPLEX, ANNAPOLIS COUNTY, SEPTEMBER 11, 12:20 PM

The Long Lake wildfires complex continues to be held at an estimated 8468 hectares. There are no new reports of damage. Crews had a very productive day yesterday, as weather conditions were in their favour. Today has the potential to be the same. The lack of rain presents challenges with dry fuel.

The southern half of the fire is still seeing persistent fire activity that is being actioned by fire crews with aircraft dropping water. Crews also still working on eliminating hazards and securing an area of 300 feet around each West Dalhousie property.

Resources today include eight helicopters, four planes and a bird dog, seven pieces of heavy equipment and seven water tankers. Firefighters on site include: 37 Department of Natural Resources, 60 Quebec, and support staff.

PROVINCEWIDE BURN BAN

Nova Scotia is experiencing drought conditions, resulting in an extremely high chance of wildfires throughout the province. A provincewide burn ban, restrictions on travel and activities in woods, and a ban on fireworks are now in place.

A provincewide burn ban started July 30. It will be in place until October 15 or until conditions improve. The fine for violations is $25,000.

The ban applies to open fires such as campfires, bonfires, brush fires, fires in chimeneas and any other fire that is not enclosed and uses wood as the fuel. Unlike gas or charcoal fires, sparks could escape from an open wood fire and cause a wildfire.

Non-woodburning devices like charcoal and gas barbeques and gas stoves are allowed to be used, following manufacturer’s instructions.

The ban applies to all private property and provincial lands, including parks and protected areas. The Province does not have jurisdiction over federal land.

PROVINCEWIDE FIREWORKS BAN

All fireworks and pyrotechnic special effects are banned while the provincewide burn ban is in effect. The ban will be in place until October 15 or until conditions improve. The fine for violations is $25,000. The fine for violating the fireworks ban is $25,000.

The new ban applies to consumer and display fireworks and pyrotechnic special effects even if they have the appropriate approvals.

WOODS RESTRICTIONS LIFTED IN SOME COUNTIES, REMAIN IN OTHERS

The risk of wildfires is now low enough in Pictou and Colchester counties to allow restrictions on travel and activities in the woods to be lifted today, September 11. With the change, effective at 4 p.m., half the counties in the province will no longer be under the restrictions. Restrictions were lifted in the following counties on August 29:

• Cape Breton
• Richmond
• Victoria
• Inverness
• Guysborough
• Antigonish
• Halifax

The burn ban remains in place for the entire province until October 15 – regarded as the end of wildfire season – or until conditions improve further.

In the rest of the province, conditions continue to be extremely dry and hazardous, so the woods restrictions will remain in place until October 15 or until conditions allow them to be lifted. The affected counties are:

• Cumberland
• Hants
• Lunenburg
• Kings
• Annapolis
• Queens
• Shelburne
• Digby
• Yarmouth

The fine for violating the restrictions is $25,000.

Working in the woods

Any business that operates in the woods can reach out to their local Department of Natural Resources office to request a permit or ask questions. Permits include appropriate risk mitigations. Be prepared to provide:

• Company name and contact information
• Why the activity in the woods cannot be delayed or moved to a non-wooded area
• General description of planned work
• Proposed mitigation plan to manage fire risks

Parks, trails and campgrounds

• Parks and trails that are heavily wooded or tree-lined are off limits. It’s ok to use a short trail to get from Point A to Point B – such as going from the parking lot to a beach, park or boat launch. However, people should not be heading out to spend time in the woods.
• Camping is only allowed in campgrounds.
• Campfires are not permitted. Gas stoves and gas and charcoal barbeques can be used for cooking. Portable lanterns are permitted.
• Provincial parks that primarily offer a trail experience are closed. Some provincial parks are supporting people with dry wells who need water or shower facilities.
• Learn more about provincial parks at https://parks.novascotia.ca/advisories
• Check with your local municipality about their parks and trails: https://www.nsfm.ca/membership-directory.html
• Parks Canada operates national parks and sites. Learn more about their restrictions: https://parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/securite-safety

LOW WATER LEVELS

Residents experiencing low water levels should contact their municipality.

Some provincial parks are providing help for residents affected by the water shortage. Residents can access showers and drinking water at Blomidon, Ellenwood Lake, Graves Island, Porters Lake, Rissers Beach, The Islands and Valleyview. The washroom facilities are available for shower access between 1:30 and 3:30 pm. Residents should check in at the park office when they arrive before using the facilities.

Starting Monday, August 11, 2025, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg will also be providing water coupons for drinking and cooking water to municipal residents experiencing dry wells. Municipal residents can pick up coupons at the Municipal Service Building at 10 Allée Champlain in Cookville (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday) or email info@modl.ca to receive electronic coupons (must be printed to redeem) and exchange them at various retail locations for water. Residents can also call 902-543-8181 for more information.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Report a wildfire or a violation: 1-800-565-2224

Fire restrictions information: https://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/wildfire/burnsafe/Q-As.asp

Provincial community and social services: 2-1-1

Mental health supports: https://novascotia.ca/mental-health-and-wellbeing/

Hurricane Season:
Hurricane season is June 1 to November 30. Stay safe by following these tips: https://novascotia.ca/emergency-education/docs/hurricanes-en.pdf