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Nova Scotia’s wildfire season is shaping up to be similar to last year’s, with just over 50 wildfires reported so far.
Natural Resources and Renewables Minister Tory Rushton says the season has been manageable, but dry conditions mean crews are staying vigilant.
“There is still an active fire… It is considered under control, but until we know we have all the hotspots out, we’re certainly not going to say it’s completely extinguished,” Rushton told reporters.
The fire near Ostrea Lake on the Eastern Shore remains under investigation. No cause has been confirmed.
Rushton credits improved public awareness and enforcement for keeping the season moderate, even with dry weather.
He also believes the increase in fines for violating burn restrictions to $25,000 is also a factor.
“We hear from the ground that the fine system is actually working, and people are adhering to the burn safety map that is put online every day at two o’clock,” he said. “It wasn’t too long ago that we had two of the worst wildfires in Nova Scotia history. People are paying attention.”
He also acknowledged that conditions in recent years—including wet springs—have helped, but fire prevention has played a major role. Rushton praised prevention work not just by provincial staff, but by local fire departments as well.
When asked about resources, Rushton said equipment is up to date, though the province has faced challenges sourcing helicopter pilots—an issue common across Canada. “To my knowledge, things are well up to date,” he said. “If something’s not up to par, we address it when it’s identified.”
All Nova Scotia wildfire crews who were deployed elsewhere in the country have now returned. Rushton said the province is staying in contact with other jurisdictions, but local fire risks remain the priority.
“We obviously would take part in the conversations with all of our counterparts across North America,” he said, “but our conditions and our situation in Nova Scotia has to come first.”
