08/05/2025
🔥 It only takes a spark. Even in places like Nova Scotia, where walking, biking and beauty rule the day, dry conditions can turn our treed land into a tinderbox.
🌱 Here in Nova Scotia, we're in a drought. Let's protect our forests, gardens, and homes — no open flames, no careless sparks.
🔥 FIRE SAFETY REPORT FOR CHRISTMAS TREE GROWERS IN NOVA SCOTIA
Extreme Drought Conditions – August 2025
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🔺 CURRENT RISK LEVEL
Nova Scotia is currently experiencing extreme drought, creating a very high to extreme fire risk in forested and rural areas. Christmas tree plantations, especially those in dry, grassy, or wooded areas, are highly vulnerable to ignition and fast-moving fires.
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🎄 RISKS TO CHRISTMAS TREE FARMS
1. Dry needles and brush become highly flammable.
2. Mowing, chainsaws, and vehicles can ignite fires with hot exhausts or sparks.
3. Nearby residents or passersby may light ci******es or campfires, intentionally or unintentionally.
4. Lightning storms during dry spells can ignite standing trees and brush.
5. Wind and slope can cause fires to spread quickly across rows.
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✅ URGENT SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS
🔹1. Fire Breaks
• Mow around tree lots and internal lanes regularly to prevent grass fires. (Mowing may soon be at risk)
• Create bare soil or mineral strips (3–6m wide) along boundaries.
• Clear all dead branches, slash piles, and debris from around roads and storage areas.
🔹2. Equipment Use
• Avoid operating machinery after 10 a.m. on extreme fire risk days unless essential.
• Use spark arrestors on chainsaws and all small engines. (only use if necessary, may soon be at risk)
• Carry fire extinguishers or water tanks on ATVs, tractors, and trucks.
🔹3. Emergency Water Supply
• Keep water tanks or totes (minimum 500 gallons) on-site with a gas or PTO pump.
• Ensure easy access to nearby ponds, streams, or dugouts.
• Designate a firefighting kit: hoses, rakes, shovels, back-pack pumps.
🔹4. Site Access
• Make sure emergency vehicles can access your property.
• Keep main roads and access trails clear at all times.
• Post visible 911 civic address signs at entrances.
🔹5. Staff Training and Protocols
• Train workers on how to spot and report fire risk immediately.
• Establish a fire emergency plan (include muster points, emergency numbers).
• Post “No Smoking” signs clearly around work areas and storage sites.
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🚫 CURRENT PROVINCIAL RESTRICTIONS (Check Daily)
Visit: https://novascotia.ca/burnsafe
• Burn bans are often in effect.
• Industrial activity restrictions may apply under Category 2 or higher.
• Forest closures may be issued in high-risk zones.
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🔎 EARLY DETECTION AND MONITORING
🛰️ Use of Technology:
• Consider satellite-based fire weather apps (e.g., FireSmart Canada, WildfireSat).
• Monitor local fire weather index (FWI) updates from NS DNRR.
📱 Local Alerts:
• Subscribe to Nova Scotia Emergency Alerts or download the Alertable app for up-to-date warnings.
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🧯 IF FIRE OCCURS ON SITE
• Call 911 immediately – even if it seems small.
• Do not attempt to fight alone unless fire is small and safe to control.
• Evacuate workers and account for all personnel.
• Direct responders to the scene using prepared maps or field notes.
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🛠️ POST-SEASON FIRE MITIGATION
• Remove excess brush piles, old pallets, and garbage before winter.
• Thin overcrowded trees next season to reduce overall fuel load.
• Consider working with a local FireSmart coordinator to create a long-term wildfire prevention strategy.
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🔗 HELPFUL LINKS & RESOURCES
• Burn Restrictions & Fire Index: https://novascotia.ca/burnsafe
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• FireSmart Canada Resources: https://firesmartcanada.ca
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• Nova Scotia Wildfire Information: https://novascotia.ca/wildfire
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• NS Department of Natural Resources and Renewables (DNRR): 1-800-565-2224
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💬 FINAL REMINDER
These conditions are not normal, and every grower must treat this drought season with extreme caution. One spark can destroy decades of hard work. Your preparedness protects your farm, your neighbours, and our industry.
Let’s work together. Stay alert, stay safe.
