We are monitoring significant fires in Shelburne County, Yarmouth County, and Upper Tantallon-Hammonds Plains area of Halifax Regional Municipality. For the latest information, see https://novascotia.ca/alerts/.

We understand this is a challenging time for everyone in our province and you may be receiving questions from travellers or wondering what your business needs to do. We are doing our best to provide information to industry and travellers. We will continue to update this page as new information becomes available, however, please continue to consult official sources for alerts and updates.

Travel

Travel is still permitted outside of areas affected by the wildfires. There is no directive to cancel your travel in other areas of the province.

People must stay out of evacuation areas. For the latest information on evacuation notices and affected areas, please see https://novascotia.ca/alerts/.

People should also be mindful of their travel and activities in areas close to affected areas and ensure they are not impeding emergency responders.

Restrictions

Please stay out of the woods and encourage travellers to do the same. All travel and activities within forests in all parts of the province are prohibited until June 25 or until conditions allow restrictions to be lifted. Hiking, camping, fishing and the use of vehicles in the woods are not permitted. People can still access beaches and non-wooded areas of provincial and municipal parks, but wooded parks and trail systems are off limits. Camping is allowed only in campgrounds. Backcountry areas of National Parks are closed. 

No burning is allowed anywhere in the province – including campfires and fireworks. Violating the burn ban carries a fine of $25,000. 

Download fire ban posters (English PDF) and (French PDF) to display at your business. 

CSA certified propane fireplaces, barbeques, and charcoal barbeques are allowed to be used as long as you are using the recommended fuel. Charcoal BBQs may use charcoal briquettes only. Do not add anything on top (wood, garbage, etc.) because it can cause sparks.

For more information on restrictions, see https://novascotia.ca/alerts/#restrictions-for-travel-and-activities-in-woods. 

Refunds/Cancellations/Closures

Businesses outside of the evacuation areas have not been directed to close. Businesses set their own policies for refunds and cancellations, but we encourage you to be flexible with customers who may not be comfortable travelling at this time or may be impacted by the fires.

Businesses must follow restrictions on travel and activities in the woods. If you have a business or accommodation in the woods, please use your best judgment and close any areas that require movement and activity in the forest. Campgrounds can remain open. Do not permit burning, including campfires, on your property.

Support for Evacuees

For information about emergency support for people who have had to evacuate their homes, please see https://novascotia.ca/alerts/. 

Residents and businesses in Halifax Regional Municipality whose properties are located in the area of significant impact on the evacuation map must immediately register with 311 via the Wildfires Evacuee Registration (or by calling 1.800.835.6428)

If you are closed due to the wildfires, please let us know by emailing novascotia@novascotia.ca. We can add a note to your listing on NovaScotia.com and we are monitoring the impacts on tourism operators.