RCMP enforcing Nova Scotia's ban on open fires, will charge maximum fine of $25,000
Nova Scotia RCMP say they are enforcing a provincial ban on burning and another on travel and activities in the woods that were put in place as firefighters battle raging wildfires.
Premier Tim Houston announced Wednesday that with people continuing to light fires and to burn material, the maximum fine for doing so would jump from $237.50 to $25,000.
RCMP spokesman Cpl. Chris Marshall said in an interview Friday that since 4 p.m. Tuesday, 10 tickets had been issued by the force in the rural areas where it has jurisdiction. However, he said tickets were issued before the regulatory changes were processed, so those charged won't face the stiff new fine.
"Going forward people will face the maximum fine," Marshall said.
He said any subsequent offenders will actually face a fine totalling $28,872 when court and administrative fees are tacked on.
"Don't burn anything," warned Marshall. "If we become aware and become involved, we will take action that's appropriate."
Marshall said seven of the fines went to people who set small pit fires or who flicked a cigarette in a wooded area, while the other three went to people who were seen hiking in the woods.
"My understanding is that all of the tickets that have been issued are related to complaints that have been made to us," he said.
Marshall said none of the tickets were in the Halifax area or in Shelburne County, where the two largest wildfires are burning. The tickets were issued in Colchester, Cumberland, Hants, Kings, Victoria and Yarmouth counties, he said.
Marshall was at a loss to explain people's motivations for burning, saying the ban and the changes to the fine have been well communicated.
"It's hard to know (why) but evidently there are people that want to light a fire, which is obviously not OK at this point," he said.
Cape Breton Regional Police later reported that they had fined two people the maximum amount on Friday for fires.
The first $25,000 ticket was given to a 57-year-old Sydney, N.S., man after police responded to a report of a fire in a yard on Hillside Street. The second fine was handed to a 43-year-old man after a report of a garbage fire on Grants Lane in Sydney.
Halifax Mayor Mike Savage said Thursday that two people in the Halifax area were fined Wednesday night after one was caught lighting leaves on fire with a propane torch and another decided to have a bonfire. He called their actions "a clear violation of the 'no-stupid' policy."
Deputy fire chief Roy Hollett clarified Friday that his department was investigating the incidents and would determine whether to lay charges "within the next day or two."
Halifax Regional Police said in an email that they had not yet issued a summary offence ticket for any burn violations. "Given the situation, the public should expect enforcement should we have evidence to support a violation," police said.
The burn ban is in place until June 25 or until conditions allow it to be lifted.
Under the woods activity ban, hiking, camping, fishing and the use of vehicles is not permitted. People can still access beaches and provincial and municipal parks, but trail systems are off limits, while camping is allowed only in campgrounds.
That ban is also in place until June 25.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2023.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated regional page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
BREAKING Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
On federal budget, Macklem says 'fiscal track has not changed significantly'
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says Canada's fiscal position has 'not changed significantly' following the release of the federal government's budget.