Natural Resources Minister Richard Hurlburt has announced there will be a ban on open fires in the counties of Colchester, Cumberland, Hants, Pictou and the Halifax Regional Municipality effective at 5 p.m. today, Oct. 1. The ban will remain in effect up to and including Wednesday, Oct.15.

"Hurricane Juan has resulted in a substantial number of trees being uprooted and debris being left around properties throughout central Nova Scotia," said Mr. Hurlburt. "As a result, many people may be considering burning these materials, which we discourage because it is creating a potential fire hazard in our woods. As everyone is aware, municipal and volunteer fire departments are busy assisting with the clean up from the hurricane and must be available to respond to emergencies other than brush fires."