HALIFAX — The Nova Scotia government is facing significant backlash over new wildfire regulations that prohibit various activities in wooded areas. The rules, which took effect recently, ban hiking, fishing, and vehicle use in the woods, as well as camping outside designated sites. All trails through forested regions are also closed as the province grapples with prolonged hot and dry weather.

Violators of these regulations, including the existing open fire ban, face fines of up to $25,000. A spokesperson for the provincial Department of Natural Resources reported that staff are receiving a high volume of inquiries regarding what activities are permitted under the new restrictions. The announcement has generated over 1,000 comments and questions on a government Facebook video featuring the premier and other officials.

Many commenters expressed confusion. One user questioned, "How does hiking in the woods with my dogs come across as a fire hazard?" Another asked for clarification on the difference between a trail and an unpaved road. The spokesperson acknowledged the challenges posed by the new rules, stating, "It can be a challenge to understand how to apply the rules to you," and emphasized that these measures are temporary and necessary for public safety.

Adèle Poirier, a spokesperson for the Department of Natural Resources, noted that the province has already experienced over 100 wildfires this season. She explained, "The number of fires has increased significantly in the last couple of weeks. It is drier now than it was in 2023, and we are at extreme risk of large, uncontrollable wildfires." Poirier added that only rain could help control the current fire risk, and no rain is expected for at least ten days.

Julissa Stewart, a resident of Louisdale, N.S., highlighted the widespread concern in her community. "There’s a lot of uproar. There are a lot of good discussions happening… it’s definitely a major topic among, I think, the majority of the province right now," she said. While Stewart supports the fire ban, she believes the restrictions on forest access are excessive. "To not even be able to go off the road to take my dog for a walk on the trail, it’s upsetting. But more than the upset, I believe this is an extreme overreach," she stated.

Jennifer Baltzer, a biology professor at Wilfrid Laurier University, expressed sympathy for those frustrated by the restrictions. "I love being in the woods. That’s why you live in Nova Scotia, right? It’s such a beautiful place," she said. Baltzer emphasized the importance of minimizing fire risks, noting that Canada has limited wildfire-fighting resources shared across the country. She explained that Nova Scotia's current hot and dry conditions make it particularly vulnerable to wildfires.

"You have a landscape that is primed to burn," Baltzer said, adding that dry trees and vegetation create ideal conditions for rapid fire spread. She pointed out that human activities are often the main ignition sources around communities, which the government is trying to limit.

In contrast, Newfoundland and Labrador have taken a different approach. Premier John Hogan announced an increase in fines for fire ban violations to $50,000 but allows residents to spend time in the woods. Hogan stated, "We had a discussion on how to show this is serious and we mean business and we’re focused on people who, if they violate regulations, will pay the price."

The situation in Nova Scotia continues to evolve as officials balance public safety with community access to natural spaces.