The fires that have been spreading across Nova Scotia have some vacationers thinking twice, and health officials warning about air quality.
Parks Canada has received some cancellations because of the fires, while some others are taking the opportunity to get a last minute booking that’s not usually available.
“There certainly have been some cancellations with people concerned about the risk,” says Parks Canada Visitor Experience Manager Sophie Borcoman. “However, interestingly enough, our campground has been full every night, regardless.”
Those who are camping don’t seem to mind.
“We were worried about the smoke, we could see it on the highway, but when we got up here it wasn’t that bad,” says a Kejimkujik camper.
Lately, people are spending more time at the beach than in the woods as some hiking trials are closed. No campfires are allowed either, due to a province-wide burn ban.
“Can’t even have a candle, some have citronella candles for bugs,” says another Kejimkujik camper. “But they told them they can’t even have that, which is good.”
Another impact from the fires is air pollution. Smoke from the fires is affecting four counties in central and western Nova Scotia. People who are the most at risk are being advised to stay indoors.
“We haven’t noted any changes in the areas we routinely monitor,” says Regional Medical Officer of Health Dr. Trevor Arnason. “However, in the areas around the wildfires, there could be problems with air quality, so people should be aware.”
Chris Surette makes a living by telling people to explore the outdoors, but he says warnings must be respected.
“When things are dry, it just takes a spark,” says Surette. “A crack of lightening and you can be trapped in the woods, and it can be dangerous to be out there because of the dry conditions.”
The dangers associated with the dryconditions makes it one of the few times some campers are wishing for rain.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kelland Sundahl
