Restrictions on travel and activities in the woods are lifted in all remaining counties except Annapolis as of 4 p.m. today, September 18.<\/p>\n
The change applies to Cumberland, Hants, Lunenburg, Kings, Queens, Shelburne, Digby and Yarmouth counties. Restrictions were lifted in the other nine counties previously.<\/p>\n
The restrictions will remain in place in Annapolis County until October 15 \u2013 regarded as the end of wildfire season \u2013 or until conditions allow them to be lifted.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve looked at improving conditions and also at the impact these necessary restrictions have had on businesses, which we\u2019ve tried to minimize all along,\u201d said Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton. \u201cWe\u2019re at a point where, for both reasons, it\u2019s time to lift these restrictions everywhere except Annapolis County, where crews are continuing to fight the Long Lake wildfire.\u201d<\/p>\n
The burn ban remains in place for the entire province until October 15 or until conditions improve further.<\/p>\n
The fine for violating the woods restrictions or burn ban is $25,000.<\/p>\n
Quick Facts:<\/p>\n
decisions on restricting woods access are based on data modelling that measures how much dry, flammable material has built up that could easily start a fire
\nthe woods restrictions were put in place August 5 through a proclamation under the Forests Act; the provincewide ban on open fires started on July 30
\npeople with questions about the restrictions can call their local Department of Natural Resources office
\nin counties where the woods restrictions have been lifted, hunting season will proceed as usual
\nin Annapolis County, hunting in non-wooded, open spaces (such as fields) can go ahead as usual; if getting to the open space requires a short trip down a trail, that is fine<\/p>\n
Additional Resources:<\/p>\n
Woods restrictions proclamation updated September 18: https:\/\/novascotia.ca\/natr\/forestprotection\/wildfire\/woods-proclamation_2025-09-18.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n News release \u2013 Woods Restrictions to be Lifted in Pictou, Colchester Counties: https:\/\/news.novascotia.ca\/en\/2025\/09\/11\/woods-restrictions-be-lifted-pictou-colchester-counties<\/a><\/p>\n News release \u2013 Woods Restrictions Lifted in Some Counties, Remain in Others: https:\/\/news.novascotia.ca\/en\/2025\/08\/29\/woods-restrictions-lifted-some-counties-remain-others<\/a><\/p>\n News release \u2013 Travel, Activities in Woods Restricted to Prevent Wildfires: https:\/\/news.novascotia.ca\/en\/2025\/08\/05\/travel-activities-woods-restricted-prevent-wildfires<\/a><\/p>\n News release \u2013 Provincewide Burn Ban in Effect: https:\/\/news.novascotia.ca\/en\/2025\/07\/30\/provincewide-burn-ban-effect<\/a><\/p>\n Department of Natural Resources offices: https:\/\/novascotia.ca\/natr\/staffdir\/offices_map.asp<\/a><\/p>\n