You can get fined over $25K just for entering the woods in these provinces right now
Canada is facing one of its toughest wildfire seasons this year, and some provinces are now cracking down on restrictions aimed at mitigating the fire risk — many of which carry seriously steep penalties.
While many areas across Canada have fire bans in place, some provinces have taken it a step further and brought in strict "woods bans" this month, with fines of up to $25,000 for anyone caught entering forested areas.
The rules aren't just about campfires or fireworks — they cover walking, biking, fishing and even driving through wooded areas. Depending on where you are, that peaceful afternoon stroll could land you in serious legal trouble. And yes, some people are already getting tickets.
As a heat wave makes its way across eastern Canada, hot temperatures and a lack of rain are creating favourable conditions for fires spreading out of control.
Here are some of the provinces with strict restrictions aimed at reducing human-caused wildfires during what officials call "extremely dry" conditions — many of which are currently set to stay in place well into the fall.
Nova Scotia: Woods ban in full force
On Tuesday, the Government of Nova Scotia announced restrictions on travel and activities in the woods across the province.
That means no hiking, camping, fishing or using vehicles in the woods on Crown or private land — except for land you personally own.
Trail systems are off-limits, and camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds. The province says the ban will stay in place until October 15, unless conditions improve.
Violating the ban comes with an eye-watering $25,000 fine.
Forestry, mining and other commercial activities on provincial Crown land also require special permits while the restrictions are active.
A separate provincewide burn ban has been in effect since July 30 with the same $25,000 penalty.
"Most wildfires are caused by human activity, so to reduce the risk, we're keeping people out of the woods until conditions improve, said Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston in the announcement. "I'm asking everyone to do the right thing – don't light that campfire, stay out of the woods and protect our people and communities."
Veteran fined $28,872.50
On Friday, Canadian Armed Forces veteran and former People's Party of Canada candidate Jeff Evely posted a video to X showing himself deliberately entering the woods in Cape Breton to challenge the restrictions.
In his video, Evely can be seen at the Department of Natural Resources office in Coxheath, where he explains to conservation officers that he would be walking into the woods: "I want to challenge this order in court, and the only way for me to do that is to get the fine," he says.
"I'm not trying to make trouble for you guys, okay? I just want a piece of Tim Houston," he adds.
After walking a few feet into the woods next to the DNR office, he returns to receive his ticket — which totals $28,872.50. Evely appears surprised at the extra charges, telling officers, "I thought it was $25,000," but they explain the difference is court costs, victim fees and taxes.
As the video comes to a close, he shows his ticket up close, which he adds is "for victimizing somebody," clearly mocking the added fees.
New Brunswick: Crown land closed
Over on the mainland in New Brunswick, the provincial government announced on Saturday that all Crown land would be closed to industrial and recreational activities due to an "extreme wildfire hazard."
As of Sunday, no one is allowed to hike, camp, fish or use vehicles in the woods, and trail systems are closed.
The province is also urging private landowners to follow the same rules and is asking everyone to avoid private wood lots and woods roads.
Premier Susan Holt called the situation "unprecedented," urging
"Our province is facing an extremely volatile situation right now," said Natural Resources Minister John Herron in the Saturday announcement. "We need New Brunswickers to stay out of the woods for their own safety, and the safety of their neighbours, communities, wildlife habitats, and our forests."
Premier Susan Holt echoed that sentiment, noting that "the entire province is in an unprecedented situation."
Newfoundland: Fire ban fines jump over 66,000%
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the province-wide fire ban announced Tuesday is also ramping up in severity.
On Friday, a self-described "troubled and frustrated" Premier John Hogan announced that fines for violating the ban would skyrocket from $75 for a first offence to $50,000, and subsequent offences can now go as high as $150,000. Prison sentences of up to six months for a ticket offence or up to a year for a summons are also now possible for those who don't pay.
Hogan said the province was forced to act after continued reports of people ignoring the rules, even setting fires intentionally. "It's very clear that these penalties for violating the regulations needed to be higher, and everyone needs to take this very seriously."
The fire ban applies within 300 metres of any forested area — from provincial parks to private backyards — and prohibits wood burning regardless of appliance. Gas and charcoal devices are allowed only if they are kept away from flammable material, and off-road vehicles must have spark prevention equipment and carry a fire extinguisher.
P.E.I.: Complete fire ban now in effect
On Monday, Prince Edward Island's minister of forestry announced a fire closure order banning all fires in the province — including campfires — until further notice. The Government of P.E.I. says the ban applies to fires on private property as well as those in provincial parks and campgrounds.
Fines under the Forest Fire Prevention Act can reach up to $50,000, plus victim fees, and anyone who causes a fire may also be liable for all related damages.
The order also suspends all burning permits for industrial, agricultural and domestic brush burning, as well as revokes all fireworks permits. Wood burning is prohibited regardless of the appliance used. Charcoal and propane barbecues are still allowed, provided briquettes are fully extinguished and disposed of safely.
Wildfires still raging
According to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, there are currently 706 active wildfires across the country, with 470 of them out of control.
There are four active fires in Nova Scotia, nine in New Brunswick and seven in Newfoundland and Labrador — including the out-of-control Kingston fire in Conception Bay North, which has grown to over 5,236 hectares as of Monday.
With bans, fines and wildfire risks all climbing, one thing is clear — this summer's "stay out of the woods" orders are being taken very seriously.
Whether you see them as necessary safety measures or government overreach, ignoring them could be one of the most expensive walks you'll ever take.
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