Several tickets have been handed out to people for violating Nova Scotia’s ban on travel and recreational activities in the woods.
The ban was announced on Aug. 5, amid “tinder dry” conditions across the province, as described by officials with the Department of Natural Resources. A total ban on open fires was brought in the week before, with both bans punishable by a $25,000 fine.
“There have been six woods travel-related violations that have been ticketed and we’ve had two related to open burning since the proclamation was put in place,” explained Scott Tingley, Forest Protection Manager with DNR.
The restrictions ongoing into the woods have been met with mixed reactions. While some say the ban is needed, others, like the Canadian Constitution Foundation, have suggested the ban violates people’s rights and freedoms.
“Now that the information’s out and people are getting their heads around it, most people are understanding and complying,” Tingley said.
He added challenges remain for officials when it comes to enforcing the restrictions in remote, rural areas.
“We’ve been responding to fires and some in quite remote areas all weekend and last week,” Tingley said. “The conservation officers are working hard but they can’t be everywhere all the time…prevention is the key here.”
The restrictions come as Nova Scotia continues to experience dry weather with no significant rain in the forecast. A heat warning was issued for much of the province on Monday morning.
Elsewhere in Atlantic Canada, New Brunswick has now enacted a ban on all industrial and recreational activities on Crown land. Newfoundland, where wildfires continue to rage, has increased the fine for violating that province’s fire ban to $50,000.