Several Canadian provinces, including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, have imposed bans on outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping in wooded areas amid elevated wildfire risks. Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have prohibited entry into public forests, with New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt emphasizing the bans are intended to protect residents and emergency responders, citing concerns about injuries in remote areas. Newfoundland and Labrador Premier John Hogan has rejected similar hiking bans but increased fines for fire violations. Wildfires are actively burning near Halifax's Bayers Lake area, with an estimated size of 25-30 hectares, and south of St. John's, Newfoundland, prompting evacuation alerts for approximately 20,000 residents. The wildfire near Newfoundland's largest city has potentially destroyed up to 100 homes and structures. Water bombers from New Brunswick have been deployed to assist firefighting efforts in Halifax. Authorities attribute the cause of the Bayers Lake wildfire to human activity, with Nova Scotia statistics indicating over 50% of wildfires are due to arson. The bans carry hefty fines, reaching up to CAD 28,000 for violations. The restrictions and justifications for the bans have evolved, initially framed as fire prevention measures, later citing risks of injury and sudden fire spread. The measures have drawn criticism and accusations of excessive safety precautions.