Nova Scotia lifts burn, woods ban in Annapolis County

The Nova Scotia government has lifted the burn and woods ban in Annapolis County, several weeks after the bans were lifted across the rest of the province.

The county, which has been grappling with the now under control Long Lake wildfire for months, had its bans lifted at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, according to a news release from the government.

Daily burn restrictions will remain in effect until the wildfire season ends on Oct. 31. The penalty for violating the restrictions is a $25,000 fine.

The daily restrictions apply to campfires, bonfires and brush fires, but charcoal and gas barbecues are exempt.

“Although it’s still very dry across the province, we’re getting some rain and cooler temperatures that are reducing wildfire risk,” said Tory Rushton, minister of Natural Resources, in the release. “That allows us to lift the outright bans and give residents of Annapolis County a break. I ask all Nova Scotians to stay vigilant and continue following the daily restrictions to help protect our people and our communities.”

The woods ban, which restricted all travel and activities in wooded areas over concerns with dry conditions, was implemented on Aug. 5. The province lifted the ban for all counties except Annapolis by Sept. 18.

The provincewide burn ban started on July 30 and was lifted for most of Nova Scotia on Sept. 26.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page