Great news for outdoor enthusiasts in Nova Scotia! As of September 11 at 4 p.m., the woods restrictions in Pictou and Colchester counties have been officially lifted due to a significant decrease in wildfire risk.

Previously, these restrictions had already been relaxed in several other counties, including Cape Breton, Richmond, and Halifax, among others, on August 29.

However, a burn ban continues to be enforced across the entire province until October 15, marking the end of wildfire season, or until conditions improve further.

Premier Tim Houston expressed gratitude to everyone involved in wildfire prevention, stating, "Our experts are monitoring the situation closely and advised it is safe to lift restrictions in these two counties. I thank our crews for their hard work this season, especially for those affected by the Long Lake wildfire."

Despite the easing of restrictions in certain areas, a large portion of the province remains under elevated fire risk conditions. Counties still facing restrictions include Cumberland, Hants, and Yarmouth, and violators of these regulations could face hefty fines of up to $25,000.

What You Need to Know

If you have questions regarding the restrictions, you can reach out to your local Department of Natural Resources office. In regions where restrictions have been lifted, hunting season will proceed as usual.

Interestingly, in restricted counties, hunters can continue their activities in open spaces like fields, provided they can access them safely without difficulty.

Stay informed and stay safe as we transition out of this challenging wildfire season!