$25K fine for illegal burning in Nova Scotia made permanent

The Nova Scotia government has changed provincial regulations to permanently set the fine for illegal burning in the province at $25,000 effective immediately, according to a government news release.

Change follows devastating wildfires of 2023

CBC News · Posted: May 02, 2025 4:17 PM EDT | Last Updated: May 2

Heavy smoke is shown through the trees in Shelburne County in a picture from May 2023. — Wildfires devastated a large area in the Municipality of the District of Shelburne in 2023. (David Rockwood/Department of Natural Resources)

The Nova Scotia government has changed provincial regulations to permanently set the fine for illegal burning in the province at $25,000, according to a government news release.

The fine was temporarily increased in 2023 and 2024 following two major wildfires in 2023.

The release says additional costs bring the total fine to $28,872.50. The fine for illegal burning ranged from $180 to $237.50 prior to the interim increases.

"We've made that fine permanent in the regulations to keep signalling how serious we are," Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton said in the release.

Burn restrictions are in effect in Nova Scotia from March 15 to Oct. 15. Burning is not allowed between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. during that period.

After 2 p.m., the province's burn map indicates daily restrictions by location.

Industrial burning, including clearing agricultural land or burning brush, requires a provincial permit.

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