BREAKING: N.S. lifts woods ban in 7 counties

Some good news for a few areas in Nova Scotia heading into the long weekend.

The woods ban has been lifted in parts of the province.

Premier Tim Houston says conditions have improved and the risk of wildfires has lowered in these areas.

It’s no longer in effect in the following counties as of 4 p.m. Friday.

– Cape Breton
– Richmond
– Victoria
– Inverness
– Guysborough
– Antigonish
– Halifax.

Conditions are still extremely dry and the fire risk is extreme in the rest of the counties, so the woods ban remains in the following areas:

– Pictou
– Colchester
– Cumberland
– Hants
– Lunenburg
– Kings
– Annapolis
– Queens
– Shelburne
– Digby
– Yarmouth.

The woods ban, along with the provincial burn ban in all of Nova Scotia, will remain in effect until October 15, or when conditions improve.

The Long Lake wildfire remains out of control in the Annapolis County at still over 8200 hectares.

“Our data shows conditions are heading in the right direction in certain parts of the Province, enough for the professionals to recommend lifting the woods restrictions in those areas,” said Premier Tim Houston. “While our crews are still battling the fire in Long Lake, Nova Scotians have taken the precautions needed to keep wildfire activity low in other parts of the Province. The conditions are ready for them to get back to safely enjoying the woods again.”

DNR says they’ve issued 10 fines since the woods ban was issued.