Last week, Canadian officials announced a fine of more than $18,000 for anyone in Nova Scotia who violates a province-wide burn ban implemented to try and rein in the wildfires that continue to rage in the region, which has prompted air quality alerts in the northeastern US.
“Yesterday I told you there were six burns overnight,” Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said during a news conference. “Last night? At least eight. At least eight more reckless people chose to burn. I do not know what they are thinking.”
As CNN reports, the fires, which have spanned more than 42,000 acres as of May 31, destroyed buildings and produced huge plumes of smoke as Nova Scotia struggles with record-breaking heat. Last week, officials announced the province-wide burn ban, expected to stay in place until June 25, due to the “seriousness of the current fires.”
During the news conference, Houston said, “Anyone who burns in this province, anyone who disrespects the province-wide burn ban” can be subject to a fine of 25,000 Canadian dollars ($18,430).The fine was initially set at 237.50 Canadian dollars. “The forests are simply too dry. The conditions are too volatile,” Houston said.
The province’s Department of Natural Resources and Renewables stated that 17 firefighters are traveling from New York and New Hampshire to help Nova Scotia fight the wildfires starting on Saturday, according to a news release.
“We’re taking every measure to prevent new fires from starting,” said Tory Rushton, the province’s minister of natural resources and renewables. “All Nova Scotians need to do their part – follow the burn ban, stay out of the woods and help keep your families and communities safe.”
There were at least 14 active wildfires burning throughout the province at last update, with at least three that remain “out of control,” according to Scott Tingley, manager of forest protection for the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Renewables.
The effects of the fires are being felt all the way into the Northeastern U.S. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Code Orange air quality alert for New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania, including the Philadelphia region, which means air pollution concentrations in there may become unhealthy for sensitive groups, including the elderly and young children. Those groups should minimize time outdoors and avoid strenuous activity, the NWS added.
Smoke from the wildfires burning in Tantallon, part of the Halifax Regional Municipality, has reduced visibility and air quality in the area and strong winds have allowed smoke to spread to communities north and east of the municipality, according to CNN meteorologists.
The smoke may be close enough to the ground that the affected area will see several hours with elevated concentrations of “fine particulate matter,” CNN reported. These microscopic particles have a diameter of less than 2.5 microns – significantly smaller than the average width of a human hair. Their tiny size allows them easier access deep into lungs, which can exacerbate the effects of respiratory diseases such as asthma.
U.S. Firefighters were set to arrive to help over the weekend, with 17 coming from the states of New York and New Hampshire. Up-to-date information on HRM comfort centers, evacuation centers, response efforts and more is available at www.halifax.ca/ and by following @hfxgov on social media.
Everyone is asked to please remain away from all wildfire areas. This warning extends to drones as well: people should not operate drones over a forest fire; drones can interfere with the suppression effort and pose a danger to aircraft and first responders.
—
Photo Credit: Toa55 / Shutterstock.com