Atlantic Canada heat wave triggers fire and activity bans
Most burning is prohibited across Atlantic Canada this weekend as favourable fire weather conditions blanket the region
A dangerous stretch is on tap across Atlantic Canada as favourable weather conditions lead to very high fire danger throughout much of the region.
Hot temperatures and a relative lack of precipitation may allow any blazes that spark to quickly grow out of control. Province-wide fire bans are in effect for New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, as well as Newfoundland and Labrador.
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Multi-day extreme heat event on tap
A strong ridge of high pressure building over Eastern Canada has allowed some of the season’s hottest temperatures to blanket Atlantic Canada. Heat warnings are already in effect across portions of Newfoundland, including St. John’s.
Temperatures will soar into the 30s for many communities away from the immediate coastline, with some spots in New Brunswick expecting daytime highs in the mid-30s by the beginning of the workweek.
The long-duration high heat and relative lack of rainfall has led to a sharp increase in the fire danger throughout Atlantic Canada. Extreme fire danger—the worst category—covered most of the Avalon Peninsula on Saturday.
Very high fire danger will stretch from the Fundy Shores through Prince Edward Island, as well as around Gander, through the day Sunday.
A touch of instability over northern Newfoundland around Badger and Gander could spark some lightning in the region, which may pose a risk for additional wildfires.
The resilient ridge responsible for the extended heat will deflect moisture away from Atlantic Canada over the next few days, keeping the fire danger high. Very little rainfall is in the forecast for the next five days, with some hope for precipitation late next week with the arrival of a trough.
Widespread fire bans and restrictions in place
Crews were actively battling several out-of-control blazes in Newfoundland this weekend. The largest was the Kingston Fire, which has burned nearly 3,000 hectares on the Avalon Peninsula between Kingston and Perry’s Cove.
Here’s a look at the status of fire and outdoor activity bans across Atlantic Canada as of mid-afternoon on Saturday, Aug. 9.
Newfoundland:
A province-wide burn ban is in effect until Sept. 7 across Newfoundland and Labrador. “Fires are banned within 300 metres or 1,000 feet of a forested area,” according to the provincial government’s website, and “permits to burn grass, brush or other materials are cancelled.”
New Brunswick:
A province-wide burn ban is currently in effect due to the wildfire danger across New Brunswick. A notice posted to the provincial government’s website indicates that all Crown land in the province will close as of 12:01 a.m. local time Sunday, Aug. 10, “due to an extreme wildfire hazard.”
Nova Scotia:
A province-wide burn ban is currently in effect due to the wildfire danger across Nova Scotia. In addition to the burn ban, the government has also restricted travel and activity in woods across the province.
“Hiking, camping, fishing and the use of vehicles in the woods are not permitted, trail systems through woods are off limits and camping is allowed only in campgrounds,” per a notice published on the Government of Nova Scotia’s fire restrictions page. Anyone caught violating the restriction could face a fine up to $25,000.
Prince Edward Island:
Domestic brush burning is prohibited across the island as a result of very high fire conditions, according to the province’s website. Burning permits have been suspended for Category 2, 3, and 4 fires.
“At this time, there is not a complete ban on outdoor burning. Campfires that are used for cooking or warmth are allowed,” the province said on Saturday, Aug. 9.
Officials added: “Provincial staff monitor the weather conditions each day and will make adjustments to restrictions based on public safety.”
Header image created using graphics and imagery from NOAA, NASA, and Canva.