Nova Scotia RCMP posts photo and warning to stay away from fire zones
The RCMP in Nova Scotia is urging residents to stay away from fire zones after sharing a shocking image of a road collapse in Shelburne County
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With the wildfire situation continuing to evolve in Nova Scotia, the provincial RCMP posted a photo on Twitter Wednesday to show the gravity of it.
The picture, which shows a road collapse in Shelburne County, is a reminder from RCMP for Nova Scotians to stay away from fire zones so crews can do their jobs without hindrances as the blazes continue.
"We understand how difficult it is to leave your home behind and stay away, but please know, it’s the safest thing for residents to do...," RCMP said in the tweet threat containing the photo.
Since airspace and waterways around the fires are being used by helicopters and water bombers, the agency asked people to keep their drones on the ground and their boats docked.
To prevent the situation from worsening, the Nova Scotia government raised its fine for breaking a ban on open burning. On Wednesday, the provincial government increased the fine $25,000, which doesn't apply to the ban on entering the woods. The fine for violating that ban is $237.50.
Crews from across the province continue to fight multiple fires, including an out-of-control blaze near Halifax that has already damaged 200 homes and businesses.
"We need all Nova Scotians to take the wildfire situation as seriously as we are. We are still finding cases of illegal burning, and it has to stop," Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables, said in a news release.
Nature Conservancy of Canada closes nature reserves
As a result of the wildfires, and the newly issued ban on forest use and activities, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has temporarily closed access to its nature reserves in the province until further notice. Tinder-dry conditions are expected for the rest of the week.
An aerial image showing the magnitude of the fire in Shelburne County, N.S. (Communications Nova Scotia)
NCC will reassess this situation in the coming days as new information is shared by provincial officials. The organization has been working in Nova Scotia since 1971, and has nearly 50 nature reserves totalling more than 18,000 hectares of protected habitats.
"Our thoughts and sincere best wishes are with the people and communities impacted by these devastating fires and hope everyone remains safe," NCC said in the statement.
WATCH: Hefty fine set for having a fire in Nova Scotia
Thumbnail courtesy of RCMP Nova Scotia/Twitter.
With files from CBC News.
