In response to wildfire risks, the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have implemented bans on hiking, camping, fishing, and general access to wooded areas, including both public and private lands. Nova Scotia, under Premier Tim Houston, has prohibited these activities with fines reaching up to $25,000 for violations. One notable case involved military veteran Jeff Evely, who was fined $28,872.50 for defying the ban. New Brunswick has also imposed fines ranging from $500 to $10,000 for similar offenses and justified the ban partly due to limited emergency response capacity in case of injuries in the woods. Other Atlantic provinces such as Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador have instituted provincewide burn bans, with Newfoundland threatening jail time for violations. The bans have drawn criticism for their perceived severity and inconsistency, with some observers comparing them to COVID-era lockdown measures. Officials have cited wildfire prevention and public safety concerns, though some justifications have shifted, including concerns over potential injuries and emergency resource availability. Indigenous peoples in some regions appear exempt from these restrictions. The bans have sparked public frustration and debate about government overreach and the balance between safety and individual freedoms in these provinces.