How you can prepare for the upcoming wildfire season in Nova Scotia

A wildfire burns at Seven Mile Lake in Nova Scotia's Annapolis County. (Communications Nova Scotia)

Wildfire season runs from March 15th through to October 15th in Nova Scotia.

After the province’s devastating wildfire season in 2023, which saw 214 wildfires, there were 85 reported in 2024, according to a news release from Kings County Regional Emergency Management Organization.

Warm, dry weather in the spring increases the risk of wildfires and Nova Scotians are being reminded to check burn restrictions and municipal By-laws that would prevent them from being permitted to burn.

Burn restrictions come into effect on Monday, March 15 with the Nova Scotia BurnSafe map being updated each day at 2 p.m.

Industrial Burning Permits are still required if you are land clearing, burning blueberry fields over two hectares in size, burning piles larger than two meters by three meters and more than one at a time, says the release.

Applications for an industrial burning permit can be made at the nearest local or area office of the N.S. Department of Natural Resources and will require a site visit from the Department.

Information about protecting your home from wildfires can be found here.

Anyone who sees a wildfire is asked to report it by calling 9-1-1.

An illegal fire (not a wildfire) can be reported to the Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-565-2224.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page