N.S. lifts woods ban in parts of the province

Nova Scotia has lifted the woods ban for seven counties in the province.

Nova Scotia has lifted its woods ban for parts of the province Friday, saying the risk of wildfires has lowered enough in some areas for the restrictions to be removed.

The woods ban was implemented on Aug. 5 in an attempt to prevent wildfires in the province after a long stretch of hot, dry weather and little rain.

The fine for violating the ban is the same as the ongoing burn ban – $25,000.

Restrictions lifted

The woods restrictions have been removed in the following counties:

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

“Our data shows conditions are heading in the right direction in certain parts of the Province, enough for the professionals to recommend lifting the woods restrictions in those areas,” said Premier Tim Houston in a news release from the province.

“While our crews are still battling the fire in Long Lake, Nova Scotians have taken the precautions needed to keep wildfire activity low in other parts of the Province. The conditions are ready for them to get back to safely enjoying the woods again.”

Restrictions remain

Restrictions in the following counties will remain in place until Oct. 15 or until conditions allow them to be lifted:

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

The province adds hunting season will proceed as usual in counties where the woods restrictions have been lifted.

“In counties where the woods restrictions still apply, goose hunting in non-wooded, open spaces (such as fields) can go ahead as usual starting September 1; if getting to the open space requires a short trip down a trail, that is fine,” reads the release.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page