Fireworks will not be allowed in Halifax over the upcoming long weekend due to a province-wide burn ban. This ban, announced by the Nova Scotia government, is set to remain in effect until mid-October. The decision was made in response to increasingly dry weather conditions that pose a significant risk for the expansion of wildfires.

The burn ban was enforced on July 30, following a period marked by hot temperatures, minimal rainfall, and no significant precipitation forecasted in the near future. Tory Rushton, the Minister of Natural Resources, emphasized the seriousness of the situation. He noted, “We’ve had a lot of hot, dry weather, very little rain, and there’s no significant rain in the forecast in the near future. We’ve had a lot of small, manageable fires this month, and conditions are now ripe for any small fire to grow larger. Nobody wants a repeat of the devastation we experienced in 2023.” Rushton urged all Nova Scotians to adhere to the burn ban and to postpone any campfires or other open flames until the conditions are safer.

The provincial government clarified that the burn ban applies to various types of open fires. This includes campfires, bonfires, brush fires, and fires in chimeneas, as well as any fire that is not contained and utilizes wood as fuel. Moreover, during this fire ban, consumer fireworks are also prohibited, which means that celebrations involving sky-high displays of fireworks will be restricted over the civic long weekend.

However, the province has made an exception for professional fireworks displays. These are permitted only when conducted by licensed fireworks companies that have received prior approval from the relevant local authorities (such as municipalities or fire departments) and have the necessary fire safety equipment and measures in place. This allows for a level of controlled fireworks displays under strict regulations while keeping the public's safety as a priority.

Non-compliance with the burn ban can result in severe penalties, with fines for violations set at $25,000. This strict enforcement underscores the importance the province places on fire safety, particularly in light of the recent wildfire risk and the potential for devastating consequences that uncontrolled fires can cause.

As Nova Scotia experiences these challenging environmental conditions, the government is calling for a collective effort from its residents to ensure compliance with the burn ban. Public cooperation is essential in preventing fires and preserving the natural landscapes of the province, especially during this particularly risky time of year.