Statistics have shown that March & April are typically the busiest months for grass and field fires for fire departments.
This is due to the snow melting, warmer weather, longer days, more people burning and dryer grass following its winter dormancy.
With the burn restrictions starting back up for 2026, it’s a good reminder that a fire can happen anywhere, regardless if snow is still on the ground!
Respectfully, many residents in the Annapolis Valley are still on high alert after last summers unprecedented wildfire season and significant drought impacts.
Spring can also be a dangerous time of year if fires are poorly managed or left unattended. The heat from the sun can also spark a grass fire allowing it to rapidly spread and become out of control.
Being informed and taking preventive steps all contribute to keeping our communities safe throughout the whole wildfire season.
Ensuring you follow the provincial restrictions that begin on March 15th is one part of that important process.
Not only are you expected to follow provincial burn regulations during the wildfire season but you also need to ensure you are following your municipal bylaws for your area, which are different then provincial regulations!
Beginning on March 15th until October 15th burning is NOT permitted between the hours of 8AM-2PM daily, no matter what the previous day restrictions were.
You have to check the burn map daily, which is updated after 2PM, indicating whether your county is able to burn at specific times during the day.
🔴 Red means absolutely no burning is permitted during that given day.
🟡 Yellow means burning is restricted, no burning until after 7PM that given day
🟢 Green means you are permitted to burn after 2PM that given day
The Nova Scotia Burn Safe website can be sourced below ⤵️
https://novascotia.ca/burnsafe/
With warmer weather ahead, it’s also a great time to clean up around your property, removing combustible materials from around your home like debris, leaves, and other sources that could easily catch on fire.
Let’s all do our part to follow the rules, clean up our properties and keep eachother safe during this wildfire season!
Adrian J.
