Some hikers ignoring warning signs as N.S. wildfires result in trail closures

Residents ignore trail closings post N.S. fires The N.S. fires have closed down the Cape Split trail, and while there are plenty of warnings, many don’t seem to get the message.

The ongoing wildfires in Nova Scotia have closed the woods across the province, including popular trails like Cape Split.

While there are plenty of warnings, some hikers don’t seem to be getting the message.

The signs at Cape Split are clear, but hikers are still using the trail, ignoring the threats.

“Well you shouldn’t go in there, but with us, making the trip out and probably the last time we’ll be in Nova Scotia, we figured we’d be careful, but we’d do it,” said one hiker Thursday.

However, even if hikers are safe, someone else may be careless, and emergency responders wouldn’t only have a fire on their hands, but also a rescue mission.

“If one just starts up, you’re stuck in the woods," said one hiker. "It’s dry, so I’m not going to risk it if they stay out because of a forest fire hazard.”

She was one of few tourists who did heed the sign Thursday. Her brother battles forest fires back home in Ontario and she doesn’t want to see someone else’s loved one put at risk.

Local volunteer firefighter Jeff Lantz, who also builds fire trucks, would answer the call if that were to happen.

“It’s a neat little finger of land, that if it did catch fire, I suppose it could travel and travel and travel,” says Lantz. “Why not obey the rules for a couple days?”

He knows people want to visit the popular attraction, but wants to make sure it is left standing for others to enjoy – especially for people who call the community home.

“They come into our area, this neat spot over here,” says Lantz. “Then they leave, and potentially we could be left with the problem.”

Conservations officers were issuing warning tickets to people at Cape Split on Wednesday, but visitors going beyond the safe zone could face $180 fines.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Marie Adsett