$25K fine for illegal burning in Nova Scotia made permanent
Change follows devastating wildfires of 2023

The Nova Scotia government has changed provincial regulations to permanently set the fine for illegal burning in the province at $25,000, according to a government news release.
The fine was temporarily increased in 2023 and 2024 following two major wildfires in 2023.
The release says additional costs bring the total fine to $28,872.50. The fine for illegal burning ranged from $180 to $237.50 prior to the interim increases.
"We've made that fine permanent in the regulations to keep signalling how serious we are," Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton said in the release.
Burn restrictions are in effect in Nova Scotia from March 15 to Oct. 15. Burning is not allowed between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. during that period.
After 2 p.m., the province's burn map indicates daily restrictions by location.
Industrial burning, including clearing agricultural land or burning brush, requires a provincial permit.