A move by the Nova Scotia government is expected to reduce the risk of wildfires. Residents will no longer need a permit to burn domestic brush. The province is replacing paper permits with an online burning restrictions map. The map will show green, red, or yellow in each county, to let people know if it is safe to burn, unsafe to burn, or safe, with restrictions. Restricted brush burning will also start earlier on March 15 instead of April 1. It goes until mid-October. Natural Resources Minister Zach Churchill says safety is behind the new system.The changes affect brush burning on properties including rural residential lots, woodlots, camps and cottages. Industrial brush burning still requires a permit. The map will come online March 15 here. People can get the same information in a recorded message by calling toll-free 1-855-564-2876.
