A $25,000 fine has been imposed on the individual charged in connection with the largest wildfire in Nova Scotia’s history. Dalton Stewart, aged 23, opted not to address the court during the sentencing held in Barrington provincial court. The sentence, a collaborative recommendation from both the prosecution and defense, also mandates Stewart to undergo educational training focused on wildfire prevention.
Stewart had previously admitted guilt to a charge under the Forest Act, with two other charges either being dismissed or withdrawn. An agreed-upon statement of facts submitted to the court outlined the incident. According to the document, Stewart acknowledged igniting a tire on private property near Barrington Lake while intoxicated with friends on the night of May 25, 2023. Despite attempting to extinguish the fire before departing, Stewart admitted to being significantly intoxicated and failing to take adequate measures to prevent the fire from spreading or ensuring its complete extinguishment.
The Barrington Lake wildfire, which encompassed over 23,000 hectares and resulted in the destruction of approximately 60 structures, displacing thousands of residents, was described as devastating by Senior Crown attorney Brian Cox. Cox acknowledged Stewart’s cooperation as a mitigating factor but emphasized that no sentence could fully reverse the damage caused. The $25,000 fine, half of the maximum penalty allowable at the time, was deemed a significant deterrent. The expenses associated with extinguishing the fire were estimated to be around $8 million.
Acknowledging the severe impact of the wildfire, Judge Paul Scovil highlighted the inconceivability of starting a fire under dry conditions, labeling it a “drunken tire fire.” During a victim impact statement in court, Melissa Nickerson, who lost her home to the wildfire, expressed emotional distress and detailed the financial and psychological toll on her family.
The wardens of Barrington and Shelburne issued a joint statement expressing concern for those affected by the wildfires and emphasizing the importance of recovery and resilience-building. Chief Darrell Locke of the Shelburne volunteer fire department voiced disappointment with the outcome, suggesting that a stricter penalty would be more fitting considering the widespread consequences.
Stewart’s lawyer, Philip Star, mentioned his client’s limited income and the time needed to pay the fine, stressing Stewart’s acceptance of responsibility. Star also raised the possibility of other fires in the area contributing to the wildfire, underscoring the complexity of the situation. The potential for civil actions remains uncertain at this stage.