Nova Scotia reports 114 wildfires after expanding response capacity

Nova Scotia crews responded to 114 wildfires that burned 1,521 hectares during the 2026 season, from March 15 to October 15. In 2025, 179 wildfires burned 8,408 hectares. More rainfall helped ease conditions after wildfire numbers had risen sharply by mid-July.

Response resources

• The 2026-27 budget included $6.8 million for wildfire response.
• A $6.5-million aircraft contract covered four AT-802 water bombers and one Cessna Caravan coordination plane. Three provincial air attack officers also coordinated aircraft.
• Four new Airbus H125 helicopters added to the province’s wildfire-fighting capacity.
• The AT-802s made 84 drops across four fires, including 68 at the Mooseland Road fire, where 1,444 hectares burned.

The province advises people to use caution when burning brush and check municipal bylaws for permit requirements. The BurnSafe map will resume daily updates when the 2027 wildfire season begins.