The $25,000 fine for breaking wildfire burn restrictions in Nova Scotia is now permanent.
The province announced the penalty, initially imposed after the destructive 2023 wildfire season and reintroduced in 2024, has officially been added to provincial regulations.
Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton said making the fine permanent sends a clear message. “We imposed the $25,000 fine through temporary means to show we mean business, and it’s working—we had the quietest wildfire season on record last year.”
The permanent fine applies to violations of burn restrictions that are in place across Nova Scotia between March 15 and October 15. During this period, outdoor burning is banned across the province from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, when wildfire risk tends to be highest.
After 2 p.m., restrictions depend on conditions shown on the province’s BurnSafe map:
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Red means no burning that day.
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Yellow means burning is allowed after 7 p.m.
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Green means burning is allowed after 2 p.m.
The fine comes with a victim surcharge and court costs, bringing the total penalty to $28,872.50. Previously, fines ranged from $180 to $237.50.
The government says the stricter fine structure has helped with compliance and fire prevention.
People are reminded to also check local municipal bylaws, which may impose even stricter limits.
