Government is cautioning Nova Scotians that warm autumn temperatures increase the risk of wildfires.

“Summer is over but the threat of fires in our forests and fields is still very real in warm fall weather, so people should take extra care,” said Kara McCurdy, fire prevention officer with the Department of Natural Resources.

“Wildfires can start easily and spread rapidly in these dry conditions.”

Conditions in the entire province are severely dry. Cooler, frosty fall nights can help slow wildfires but low humidity, moderate winds and warm daytime conditions can cause fires to spread quickly. Under these conditions, a fire in the woods can spread 10 to 15 metres per minute.

People burning brush on their home properties or having a campfire should check daily burning restrictions by calling 1-855-564-2876 or visiting www.novascotia.ca/burnsafe .

Burning brush or campfires is illegal and unsafe between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. every day. If the burnsafe map is red, burning is not permitted. If it is yellow, burning is permitted only after 7 p.m. Green means brush and campfire burning is OK.

Tips on ways to prevent wildfires and practice fire safety are at
http://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/wildfire/prevention.asp .

Source: Release