Burnsafe Archive 2025

[CheifAdmin]

Burnsafe Archive: Tuesday 23 September 2025

This is a Historical record of “Can I Burn”. For current/lastest Burn Restrictions; click here - Updated Daily at 2pm during Wildfire Season (15 March to 15 October)

Travel and Activities In Woods are Restricted

Starting 5 August (at 4pm), travel and activities in woods are restricted to help prevent wildfires. Hiking, camping, fishing and the use of vehicles in the woods are not permitted, trail systems through woods are off limits and camping is allowed only in campgrounds. Learn more: Woods Proclamation (PDF). The fine for violating the restrictions is $25,000 [(see Summary Offence Tickets Regulations)]

Restrictions on travel and activities in the woods are lifted in all remaining counties except Annapolis as of 4 p.m. today, September 18.

The change applies to Cumberland, Hants, Lunenburg, Kings, Queens, Shelburne, Digby and Yarmouth counties. Restrictions were lifted in the other nine counties previously.

The restrictions will remain in place in Annapolis County until October 15 – regarded as the end of wildfire season – or until conditions allow them to be lifted. The burn ban remains in place for the entire province until October 15 or until conditions improve further. The fine for violating the woods restrictions or burn ban is $25,000.

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[CheifAdmin]

Burnsafe Archive: Wednesday 24 September 2025

This is a Historical record of “Can I Burn”. For current/lastest Burn Restrictions; click here - Updated Daily at 2pm during Wildfire Season (15 March to 15 October)

Travel and Activities In Woods are Restricted

Starting 5 August (at 4pm), travel and activities in woods are restricted to help prevent wildfires. Hiking, camping, fishing and the use of vehicles in the woods are not permitted, trail systems through woods are off limits and camping is allowed only in campgrounds. Learn more: Woods Proclamation (PDF). The fine for violating the restrictions is $25,000 [(see Summary Offence Tickets Regulations)]

Restrictions on travel and activities in the woods are lifted in all remaining counties except Annapolis as of 4 p.m. today, September 18.

The change applies to Cumberland, Hants, Lunenburg, Kings, Queens, Shelburne, Digby and Yarmouth counties. Restrictions were lifted in the other nine counties previously.

The restrictions will remain in place in Annapolis County until October 15 – regarded as the end of wildfire season – or until conditions allow them to be lifted. The burn ban remains in place for the entire province until October 15 or until conditions improve further. The fine for violating the woods restrictions or burn ban is $25,000.

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[CheifAdmin]

Burnsafe Archive: Thursday 25 September 2025

This is a Historical record of “Can I Burn”. For current/lastest Burn Restrictions; click here - Updated Daily at 2pm during Wildfire Season (15 March to 15 October)

Travel and Activities In Woods are Restricted

Starting 5 August (at 4pm), travel and activities in woods are restricted to help prevent wildfires. Hiking, camping, fishing and the use of vehicles in the woods are not permitted, trail systems through woods are off limits and camping is allowed only in campgrounds. Learn more: Woods Proclamation (PDF). The fine for violating the restrictions is $25,000 [(see Summary Offence Tickets Regulations)]

Restrictions on travel and activities in the woods are lifted in all remaining counties except Annapolis as of 4 p.m. today, September 18.

The change applies to Cumberland, Hants, Lunenburg, Kings, Queens, Shelburne, Digby and Yarmouth counties. Restrictions were lifted in the other nine counties previously.

The restrictions will remain in place in Annapolis County until October 15 – regarded as the end of wildfire season – or until conditions allow them to be lifted. The burn ban remains in place for the entire province until October 15 or until conditions improve further. The fine for violating the woods restrictions or burn ban is $25,000.

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[CheifAdmin]

Burnsafe Archive: Friday 26 September 2025

This is a Historical record of “Can I Burn”. For current/lastest Burn Restrictions; click here - Updated Daily at 2pm during Wildfire Season (15 March to 15 October)

Friday September 26:

Effective 8 pm tonight:

Burn ban, fireworks ban and woods closure continues for Annapolis County.

Burn after 7 pm for Colchester, Cumberland, Pictou & Guysborough Counties.

Burn after 2 pm for the rest of Nova Scotia.

Be sure to check municipal bylaws!

With conditions improving, the ban on open fires is lifted in all counties except Annapolis, as of 8 p.m. today, September 26.

The ban will remain in place in Annapolis County until the end of wildfire season due to the ongoing Long Lake wildfire. The daily burn restrictions – and the continued ban in Annapolis County – apply to open fires such as campfires, bonfires, brush fires, fires in chimeneas and any other fire that is not enclosed and uses wood as the fuel. Unlike gas or charcoal fires, sparks could escape from an open wood fire and cause a wildfire.

The restrictions do not apply to non-woodburning devices like charcoal and gas barbeques and gas stoves, which can be used following manufacturer’s instructions.

The Province’s BurnSafe map will be red from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. because burning is never permitted during those hours; the daily restrictions will be posted at 2 p.m. to show what is and is not allowed for the rest of the day. The usual end of wildfire season is October 15.

https://novascotia.ca/burnsafe/

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[CheifAdmin]

Burnsafe Archive: Saturday 27 September 2025

This is a Historical record of “Can I Burn”. For current/lastest Burn Restrictions; click here - Updated Daily at 2pm during Wildfire Season (15 March to 15 October)

The Long Lake wildfires complex is now under control. This is a key milestone in any wildfire. Under control means the fire is responding well to suppression efforts. It is not expected to grow, but it is still not extinguished. Having reached this milestone, this is our last regular update. We will post updates on developments.

We extend immense thanks to DNR firefighters, incident management team and other staff, and all the local fire depts, crews from other provinces, the County of Annapolis and all the other agencies that are helping with this unprecedented effort.

Infrared scanning will continue to detect hot spots. Crews walk through the active fire zone, smelling for smoke and feeling the ground for heat with their hands. They dig and douse with water to put the hot spots out.

Typically crews continue working until a wildfire is extinguished. In the case of Long Lake, winter conditions may arrive before the fire can be declared fully extinguished. If that happens, the fire won’t be a threat during the winter and monitoring will continue until firefighting can resume in the spring.

The size estimate is still 8,468 hectares. This is the current estimate of the perimeter, with multiple fires inside this active wildfire zone. This number won’t change unless a more precise measurement is made.

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[CheifAdmin]

Burnsafe Archive: Sunday 28 September 2025

This is a Historical record of “Can I Burn”. For current/lastest Burn Restrictions; click here - Updated Daily at 2pm during Wildfire Season (15 March to 15 October)

[CheifAdmin]

Burnsafe Archive: Monday 29 September 2025

This is a Historical record of “Can I Burn”. For current/lastest Burn Restrictions; click here - Updated Daily at 2pm during Wildfire Season (15 March to 15 October)

[CheifAdmin]

Burnsafe Archive: Tuesday 30 September 2025

This is a Historical record of “Can I Burn”. For current/lastest Burn Restrictions; click here - Updated Daily at 2pm during Wildfire Season (15 March to 15 October)

UPDATE 6 PM:

The Lake George wildfire is still out of control and estimated at 150 hectares.

There are no reports of damage to structures. The Department of Emergency Management is working on structure protection with the local fire department. No further evacuations are likely, although area residents should be prepared.

Still onsite are 23 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and 20 local firefighters, four Northwest Territory and two Quebec planes, one DNR and two contracted helicopters, and six pieces of heavy equipment building fire breaks. Next update will be tomorrow morning.

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The Lake George wildfire is still out of control.

A helicopter is flying over the scene this morning to get a better gauge on the size. Last night’s rough estimate was 300 hectares.

More evacuations are possible. The Department of Emergency Management is working with the local fire department on structure protection.

Twenty three Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and 20 local firefighters were onsite at first light. The four NWT planes, one DNR and two contracted helicopters are dropping water, with four Quebec planes expected later this morning. Next update late afternoon/early evening.

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Update to shelter information for evacuees of the Lake George wildfire: A 24/7 shelter with overnight accommodations is open at Louis Millett Community Complex, 9489 Commercial Street, New Minas. Please register at the shelter, or call 902-890-2042 for more information. This phone number has changed from the one originally posted yesterday.

Stay tuned to local news and follow directions of local authorities.
Follow Kings County REMO for updates: https://facebook.com/REMOKingsCounty and https://kingsremo.ca.

[CheifAdmin]

October

Holidays:

• Thanksgiving October 13

[CheifAdmin]

Burnsafe Archive: Wednesday 1 October 2025

This is a Historical record of “Can I Burn”. For current/lastest Burn Restrictions; click here - Updated Daily at 2pm during Wildfire Season (15 March to 15 October)

Due to continued fire activity in Nova Scotia, wildfire season is extended provincewide to October 31. Daily restrictions are posted to social media and at Fire restrictions - Government of Nova Scotia, Canada .

The full burn ban will remain in effect in Annapolis County and daily burn restrictions will continue to apply in all other counties to the end of the month. The fine for violations is $25,000.

Wildfire season normally runs from March 15 to October 15. It was extended by a week in 2016 due to drought conditions. It was shortened with a delayed start in 2015 after a winter of heavy snowfall.

The daily burn restrictions – and the continued ban in Annapolis County – apply to open fires such as campfires, bonfires, brush fires, fires in chimeneas and any other fire that is not enclosed and uses wood as the fuel. Unlike gas or charcoal fires, sparks could escape from an open wood fire and cause a wildfire.

The restrictions do not apply to non-woodburning devices like charcoal and gas barbeques and gas stoves, which can be used following manufacturer’s instructions.

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6:15pm update:

The Lake George wildfire is still out of control and still estimated at 290 hectares. No reports of damage to structures. Despite windy conditions, crews are making good progress building dozer guards and laying wet lines with hoses and pumps.

In addition to resources listed in this morning’s update, 2 Newfoundland planes joined the fight today and 2 planes came from Quebec to make quick strikes late this afternoon. Next update tomorrow morning.

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The Lake George wildfire is still out of control and is now estimated at 290 hectares. Nova Scotia Emergency Management and the local fire department is working on structure protection. There are no reports of damage. Further evacuations were ordered by Kings County.

On scene are 23 DNR and 20 local firefighters, 4 NWT, 1 DNR and 2 contracted helicopters, and 18 pieces of heavy equipment building fire breaks.

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Evacuation Order Update: Aylesford Lake.

In addition to areas previously evacuated, this Mandatory Evacuation Order Update is for

1. Aylesford Rd from (and including) Fox Mountain Campground to Civic 3847 Aylesford Rd.
2. All civics on Spruce Dr, Birch Lane and Blue Lane.
3. All civics between 5 North River Rd to 1493 North River Rd.

Residents to immediately evacuate due to Wildfire. Take pets, important documents and medications, food and emergency supplies.

An emergency Reception Centre is established at Louis Millett Centre New Minas. All residents are to register at the Reception Centre.

[CheifAdmin]

Burnsafe Archive: Thursday 2 October 2025

This is a Historical record of “Can I Burn”. For current/lastest Burn Restrictions; click here - Updated Daily at 2pm during Wildfire Season (15 March to 15 October)

LAKE GEORGE, KINGS COUNTY, OCTOBER 2, 6:15 PM

The Lake George wildfire is still out of control and estimated at 245 hectares. No reports of damage to structures. Progress continues on building fire breaks around the perimeter. Three more contracted helicopters arrived today, they will start work tomorrow. Next update tomorrow morning.

LAKE GEORGE, KINGS COUNTY, OCTOBER 2, 10:30 AM

The Lake George wildfire is still out of control. The size is now estimated at 245 hectares based on more accurate measurement. There are no reports of damage to structures. Crews are facing challenging conditions with another dry, windy day.

Onsite are 23 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and 20 local firefighters, four Northwest Territories planes, two Newfoundland planes, two contracted helicopters, and 18 pieces of heavy equipment building fire breaks. Two planes may return from Quebec to make quick strikes.

The next update will be late afternoon or early evening.

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[CheifAdmin]

Burnsafe Archive: Friday 3 October 2025

This is a Historical record of “Can I Burn”. For current/lastest Burn Restrictions; click here - Updated Daily at 2pm during Wildfire Season (15 March to 15 October)

LAKE GEORGE, KINGS COUNTY, OCTOBER 3, 5:00 PM

The Lake George wildfire is still out of control and estimated at 250 hectares. No reports of damage to structures. Dry windy conditions continue to be a challenge and may cause the fire to spread. Crews working hard to protect homes and other structures.

Two crews from BC – totaling 40 firefighters – are arriving from BC today and will stay for two weeks. They will start working on the fire tomorrow alongside DNR and local crews.

Over the weekend, social media updates will be posted if there is an important new detail to report, such as a change in the estimated size of the fire. Daily posts will resume around midday on Monday.

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LAKE GEORGE, KINGS COUNTY, OCTOBER 3, 10:15 AM

The Lake George wildfire is still out of control. It grew slightly yesterday to an estimated 250 hectares. No reports of damage to structures. Crews continuing the work to build fire breaks around the perimeter.

Fire breaks help but they are not guaranteed to stop the fire. One kind of fire break is dozer guard – a path of bare earth made by a bulldozer and other machines. With no trees to burn on this path, it can help stop the fire from spreading.

Another kind of fire break is wet line with hoses and pumps that draws water from a nearby lake, pond or river. This keeps an area around the fire wet to help stop the fire from spreading. Learn more about fighting wildfire at: https://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/wildfire/pdf/wildfire-basics.pdf

Onsite are 23 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and 30 local firefighters, four Northwest Territories planes, two Newfoundland planes, five contracted helicopters, and 18 pieces of heavy equipment. Next update late afternoon/early evening.

[CheifAdmin]

Burnsafe Archive: Saturday 4 October 2025

This is a Historical record of “Can I Burn”. For current/lastest Burn Restrictions; click here - Updated Daily at 2pm during Wildfire Season (15 March to 15 October)

The Lake George wildfire is still out of control and grew slightly yesterday to an estimated at 267 hectares. No reports of damage to structures.

Crews were successful in preventing larger growth despite dry windy conditions yesterday and will give it their best effort again today to protect homes and other structures.

Resources today include 28 DNR, 39 BC and 31 local firefighters, 2 Newfoundland and 4 NWT planes, 1 DNR and 5 contracted helicopters, and 18 pieces of heavy equipment.

Over the weekend, social media updates will be posted if there is an important new detail to report, such as a change in the estimated size of the fire. Daily posts will resume around midday on Monday.

[CheifAdmin]

Burnsafe Archive: Sunday 5 October 2025

This is a Historical record of “Can I Burn”. For current/lastest Burn Restrictions; click here - Updated Daily at 2pm during Wildfire Season (15 March to 15 October)

The Lake George wildfire is still out of control. Crews worked extremely hard yesterday to limit growth to an estimated 285 hectares despite dry, windy conditions. No reports of damage to structures.

Crews continue this hard work today with aim of limiting growth and protecting homes and structures. Progress continues on fire breaks around the perimeter of the active wildfire zone.

Resources today include 35 DNR, 39 BC and 31 local firefighters, 2 Newfoundland and 4 NWT planes, 1 DNR and 5 contracted helicopters, and 18 pieces of heavy equipment. Next update around midday tomorrow.

[CheifAdmin]

Burnsafe Archive: Monday 6 October 2025

This is a Historical record of “Can I Burn”. For current/lastest Burn Restrictions; click here - Updated Daily at 2pm during Wildfire Season (15 March to 15 October)

The Lake George wildfire is still out of control and grew slightly to an estimated 288 hectares due to ongoing dry, windy conditions. No reports of damage to structures. The fire is burning deep and today’s high temperature will be a challenge.

Crews are working hard to protect homes and other structures. Resources today include 35 Department of Natural Resources (DNR), 39 British Columbia and 23 local firefighters, 2 Newfoundland and 4 Northwest Territories planes, 1 DNR and 5 contracted helicopters, and 18 pieces of heavy equipment. Next update around midday tomorrow.

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[CheifAdmin]

Burnsafe Archive: Tuesday 7 October 2025

This is a Historical record of “Can I Burn”. For current/lastest Burn Restrictions; click here - Updated Daily at 2pm during Wildfire Season (15 March to 15 October)

The Lake George wildfire is still out of control. Despite hot, dry, windy weather, crews were successful yesterday in preventing growth beyond the current estimate of 288 hectares. They have the same goal today in the face of these challenging conditions.

No structures lost to date, crews continue working hard to protect them. Resources available include 62 DNR, 39 BC and 23 local firefighters, 2 Newfoundland and 4 NWT planes, 1 DNR and 5 contracted helicopters, and 30 pieces of heavy equipment.

Work continues on fire breaks and avoiding growth. Not all resources are necessarily working at all times. For example, sometimes the airspace is dedicated to helicopters doing precision water drops that support specific tactics on the ground. Next update around midday tomorrow.

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[CheifAdmin]

Burnsafe Archive: Wednesday 8 October 2025

This is a Historical record of “Can I Burn”. For current/lastest Burn Restrictions; click here - Updated Daily at 2pm during Wildfire Season (15 March to 15 October)

The Lake George wildfire is still out of control. Crews were once again successful in preventing growth yesterday, despite challenging conditions. Current estimate remains 288 hectares. No structures lost. Anticipated rain and cooler temperatures will help.

Newfoundland planes have been released. Resources available include 37 DNR, 39 BC and 24 local firefighters, 4 NWT planes, 1 DNR and 5 contracted helicopters, and 30 pieces of heavy equipment. Next update around midday tomorrow.

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[CheifAdmin]

Burnsafe Archive: Thursday 9 October 2025

This is a Historical record of “Can I Burn”. For current/lastest Burn Restrictions; click here - Updated Daily at 2pm during Wildfire Season (15 March to 15 October)

[CheifAdmin]

Burnsafe Archive: Friday 10 October 2025

This is a Historical record of “Can I Burn”. For current/lastest Burn Restrictions; click here - Updated Daily at 2pm during Wildfire Season (15 March to 15 October)

[CheifAdmin]

Burnsafe Archive: Saturday 11 October 2025

This is a Historical record of “Can I Burn”. For current/lastest Burn Restrictions; click here - Updated Daily at 2pm during Wildfire Season (15 March to 15 October)