Can I have a campfire? A look at burning restrictions across the Maritimes

A fire pit is pictured at Woodhaven RV Park in Hammonds Plains, N.S., on Thursday, July 31, 2025. (Stephanie Tsicos/CTV Atlantic)

People living in and visiting the Maritimes this August long weekend will not be able to sit around a campfire.

New Brunswick

Burning is not allowed across the entirety of New Brunswick, according to the province’s Fire Watch. The update was shared Saturday at 2 p.m. and remained in effect as of Sunday.

As a result of the ban, the City of Saint John has cancelled its New Brunswick Day weekend fireworks that were scheduled to take place Sunday night.

“We understand how disappointing this news may be for those who were looking forward to the celebration. The decision was made out of an abundance of caution and with public safety top of mind,” said a news release late Saturday night from the City of Saint John.

The province’s burning notices are updated daily at 2 p.m. during wildfire season.

Nova Scotia

A province-wide burn ban was issued for Nova Scotia on Wednesday due to the hot, dry conditions.

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

The province said the ban applies to open fires, including campfires, bonfires, brush fires, fires in chimeneas, and any other fire that is not enclosed and uses wood as the fuel. Non-woodburning devices, like charcoal and gas barbecues and stoves, are allowed to be used.

Fireworks have gone ahead as scheduled in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) over the Natal Day long weekend. While the use of consumer fireworks is prohibited, professional displays are allowed.

According to the Nova Scotia government, fireworks are allowed by professional companies “that have signed approval from the local authority that has jurisdiction (for example, municipality or fire department) along with the proper fire equipment and measures.”

On Saturday, HRM’s fireworks were launched on a barge in Halifax Harbour by a team of professionals with safety protocols in place. Fireworks are also scheduled for Monday at 9:30 p.m. in Dartmouth on Lake Banook.

Nova Scotia’s burn ban will remain in place until Oct. 15 or until conditions improve.

Prince Edward Island

On Prince Edward Island, there is now a full burn ban across the province.

As of Sunday at 2 p.m., the province’s latest update showed domestic brush burning is not permitted in any of the three counties.

All burning permits have also been suspended, with the fire weather status either high or very high.

The province updates its burn restrictions daily at 2 p.m.