Lighting a fire in Nova Scotia (NS) could cost you big time if you're caught..Investigations into the three fires have determined each of them to be an act of arson.To help avoid any new wildfires, Nova Scotia increased the fine for breaking the province-wide burn ban to $25,000..“We need all Nova Scotians to take the wildfire situation as seriously as we are. We are still finding cases of illegal burning, and it has to stop,” said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables..“We’re taking every measure to prevent new fires from starting. 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.”.The fine, which is set in the Summary Offence Ticket Regulations, had been $237.50. Penalties are levied through summary offence tickets issued by police, conservation or other law enforcement officers. The burn ban is in place until June 25 or until conditions allow it to be lifted..The increased fine does not apply to the ban on entering the woods. The fine for violating that ban is $180..While most provincial and municipal parks remain open, wooded areas are off-limits, so provincial parks that are primarily trails are closed..Department of Natural Resources and Renewables also said shooting ranges are also closed..In Pictou County, the Mounties are investigating three separate arson incidents in the area. Pictou County is roughly 120 km north of Halifax..On Friday, a commercial structure fire, located on Highway 4 in Alma, was extinguished by local volunteer firefighters. A second fire was reported around an hour later on Granton Abercrombie Road in Granton..The Mounties said the incident was caused by a green bin being lit on fire at the side of the road..Luckily, local firefighters were able to put out the fire. Around 20 minutes later another fire was reported on Mount William Road in Mount William..Again the Mounties said recycling bags at the side of the road were set on fire..The Mounties managed to put the fire out.."Initial investigation has determined that all three fires were the result of arson," the RCMP in Nova Scotia stated..Anyone with information is asked to contact Pictou County District RCMP at 902-755-4141.
