Cornwall & District Fire Department

04/14/2026

Congratulations

04/14/2026

NOVA SCOTIA WILDFIRE SEASON UPDATE —
BY THE NUMBERS

March 21 – April 12, 2026

We’ve been keeping an eye on wildfire‑related activity across Nova Scotia using reports that we’ve been able to post on the page and there’s no question about it anymore; fire season has arrived. Here’s what the first 23 days have looked like.

A total of 159 qualifying incidents were reported between March 21 and April 12. These numbers include grass fires, brush fires, ditch fires, woods fires, smoke sightings, illegal burns, and outdoor fires listed as “unknown.” They do not include other day-to-day calls crews respond to.

Breakdown of the 159 incidents — incidents initially reported as:

• Grass Fires — 45 (28%)
• Brush Fires — 37 (23%)
• Illegal Burns — 31 (20%)
• Unknown Outdoor Fires — 23 (14%)
• Smoke Sightings — 15 (10%)
• Woods Fires — 8 (5%)

How the season has unfolded so far:

March 21–31 (Early Season):
Activity started at a steady pace with roughly 3–4 incidents per day, most of them tied to illegal burns.

April 1–6 (The Lull):
Things slowed down to about 2 incidents per day. April 5 stands out as the only day in this entire period with zero qualifying incidents.

April 7–12 (The Surge):
This is when things escalated. The province jumped to nearly 18 incidents per day, including two major spike days:

• April 9: A staggering 42 incidents in a single day. High winds pushed fires across fields and into tree lines, with several coming dangerously close to homes. Many required multi-department response.
• April 12: Another heavy day with 23 incidents, again with multiple fires threatening structures across the province.

Key trends:

• Wind is the biggest driver. Most fires described as spreading quickly, moving toward structures, or becoming uncontrollable happened on high‑wind days.
• Structures have been at risk. Several fires burned within 50–100 feet of homes, sheds, garages, and greenhouses. A few reached/impacted structures.
• Controlled burns are escaping. Many incidents began as intentional burns that got away when conditions shifted, often a requiring multi‑department response.
• Illegal burns continue to be a major issue. With 31 incidents, one in every five calls.

Please keep in mind that these stats only reflect the departments we’re currently able to post about. There are still several areas where we can’t share incident information because there’s no local admin coverage — including Yarmouth, Guysborough County, and the Cape Breton Highlands.

If you’re in one of those regions and would like to help us fill the gaps, send us a message.

What we’re asking from you,

• Check daily burning restrictions before lighting anything
• Never leave a fire unattended
• Keep water and tools close by
• If conditions change, put the fire out immediately
• And if you’re unsure whether it’s safe, don’t light it

Our volunteer firefighters are already stretched thin. Every preventable call pulls resources away from true emergencies. Let’s do what we can to reduce the load.

We’ll continue tracking and sharing updates as the season progresses.

Stay safe — keep Nova Scotia safe

April 13

04/13/2026

📣EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT MONDAY: PROTECTING YOUR HOME FROM FLOODING

Here are six simple steps you can take to help prevent flood damage in an around your home:

1. Store valuables and important items or documents in water-tight containers or on tall shelves or upper floors of your home.
2. Clean your gutters regularly.
3. Keep nearby storm drains clear of debris.
4. In the winter, aim to clear snow at least 1 metre away from your home's foundation.
5. Install a sump pump with backup battery power in case of power outage.
6. If flooding is imminent, shut off electricity to areas of the home that may be affected ahead of time.

Bonus Tip:
It’s important to review your insurance coverage before you ever need to make a claim. Flood coverage is optional is most insurance plans and may only cover specific types of water damage - so reach out to your insurance provider now to understand your policy.

Learn more at any time by visiting: https://www.lunenburgremo.ca/floods.html

We invite you to share this message.

04/13/2026

www.firefighters5050.com/48
Today is a rainy Monday. Jackpot is about $67,000.00 and growing. Get your tickets before midnight tonight to be entered for the Free Early Bird Draw. Thanks so much for your support. This is week 307. Stay fire smart and fire safe. Remember we are in Wild Fire season.

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04/12/2026

We recommend you download the app to your page.

Take simple steps to reduce your home and community’s wildland fire risk with FireSmart Canada’s programs and tools. Increase your resilience today!

04/10/2026

April 10: Domestic burning is permitted between the hours of 2:00 P.M. and 8:00 A.M. in the following counties: Cape Breton, Inverness, Richmond & Victoria.

Restricted domestic burning is permitted between the hours of 7:00 P.M and 8:00 A.M in the following counties: Annapolis, Antigonish, Colchester, Cumberland, Digby, Guysborough, Halifax, Hants, Kings, Lunenburg, Pictou, Queens, Shelburne & Yarmouth.

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Please note, there is no domestic burning between 8:00 A.M and 2:00 P.M daily, and restrictions are reassessed and posted everyday at 2:00 P.M; in fire risk season.

The restrictions apply to all open fires, which encompass campfires, fire pits, chimineas, fire bowls, and outdoor wood-burning stoves, along with burn barrels. Additionally, domestic brush burning and industrial burning activities, including those for agricultural purposes and clearing building lots, are subject to these rules. Fire restrictions also apply to provincial, municipal, and private campgrounds, while national parks are governed by Parks Canada. However, the daily fire restrictions do not apply to CSA-approved appliances when used according to the manufacturer's instructions. This includes devices such as barbecues, fire bowls, stoves, and patio heaters that operate on propane, natural gas, or other gases intended for these appliances, with charcoal barbecues permitted only when using briquettes.

To report a wildfire or violations of fire restrictions (including illegal burns), please call 1-800-565-2224, or 9-1-1. The Department of Natural Resources and Renewables (DNR) and/or the local fire department will be notified and dispatched to the location of the fire.

Consumer fireworks are prohibited by the Office of the Fire Marshal when the fire risk map is red. However, professional fireworks companies with permits and appropriate fire equipment and measures are allowed to use fireworks.

Additionally, you must also follow your municipal bylaws.

04/09/2026

www.firefighters5050.com/48
This is DRAW day! Jackpot is about $610,000.00. and growing. Get your tickets before 9:00 pm TONIGHT! Thanks so much for your support. This is week 306. Stay fire smart and fire safe. This is wildfire season.

Join thousands of community organizations - big and small - who raise more funds for their worthy causes with Rafflebox.

04/09/2026

15:45: Fire crews are currently responding to multiple incidents across the province involving grass and brush fires. Among them is a large grass fire in Camperdown, where Italy Cross Fire is on scene with additional resources responding to assist.

Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution when conducting any outdoor burning. Please use sound judgment and adhere to all applicable regulations to help prevent further incidents.

April 9