Wildfire Prevention in Nova Scotia
by: Dale E. Glennie
Nova Scotia's weather often causes drought conditions in mid to late summer, which means the province's forests can easily catch fire. Dry conditions don't typically last long, but they can increase forest fire hazards significantly. This year's unusual winter will likely have far reaching effects into late summer. Low snowfall amounts contributed little to the ground water supply, which is important because the amount of moisture in the ground indicates how dry forest vegetation is. After a rainfall, small fuels, such as leaves and needles, dry out quicker than larger fuels, like standing trees. Sometimes, a day of fine windy weather is all that's needed to re-establish a fire hazard.
There are two considerations when establishing fire danger. Risk is the potential for ignition, while hazard is the potential for fire to develop and spread. In Nova Scotia, 98 per cent of the risk is from humans. Only 2 per cent of fires are started by lightning (1990-1994 averages). Many fires occur in spring and early summer when human activity increases. Grass burning and spring cleanup fires, almost traditional practices in the province, often escape control and result in wildfires. When summer arrives, the number of people in the woods increases and as they travel, they bring fire danger with them.
Fire has practical burning conditions and procedures. However, fire is unpredictable and can still escape from the most careful person. The number of escaped fires resulting from burning permits can be reduced by adhering to safe burning practices (a pamphlet is available where you purchase permits) or by burning out of fire season when the hazard is low (early November to late March).
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Towers like this are used to help fight the battle against forest fires. |
Another cause of wildfires does not arise from accidents or carelessness, but from arson. Every year, arsonists throughout the province start many fires that result in a high financial loss, as well as risk to property, homes, wildlife, and people. Arson is a crime and any knowledge of this activity should be reported to the Department of Natural Resources or the RCMP through Crime Stoppers.
Regardless of intent, fires will occur. Time is a critical factor after ignition and before suppression. How long does a fire have to burn before it is discovered and reported? This is where the public comes in. In an average year, 70 per cent of fires are reported by concerned citizens. The remainder of fires are found by staff in fire towers, forestry workers, aircraft, or other sources. After the fire is reported to fire departments, suppression crews from Natural Resources' field offices or the provincial fire centre extinguish the fire in the most efficient way possible. At this stage, a fire has occurred and the chance for fire prevention has passed. Wildfire prevention is about keeping fires from starting. When using fire, or playing and working in or near woods, be careful. People are responsible for starting almost all fires in Nova Scotia. Pay attention to your surroundings. Report smoke sightings or the smell of smoke. Someone may have a permit to burn, but it could be the start of a forest
fire.
With these points in mind, have a safe and enjoyable summer in Nova Scotia's outdoors.
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