In Nova Scotia, a 22-year-old man from Shelburne County has been charged in connection with the Barrington Lake wildfire, the largest in the province’s history. Dalton Clark Stewart faces several charges under the Forests Act, including lighting a fire on private land without permission, failing to prevent the spread of a fire, and leaving a fire unattended.
The wildfire, which started on May 26, 2023, burned through 23,379 hectares in southwestern Nova Scotia. It was declared under control on June 13 and extinguished on July 26, having forced over 6,000 people from their homes and destroyed 60 houses and cottages. Stewart is due to appear in Shelburne Provincial Court on March 7.
This case is significant not only because of the scale of the wildfire but also for the legal implications for Stewart, who could face fines up to $50,000 and/or up to six months in prison if convicted.
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