Port Mouton fire, spanning 4 to 6 hectares, now 75% contained

Fire departments from more thansix Nova Scotiacommunities as well as a Department of Natural Resourcescrew and helicopter continued working Wednesdayto contain a firethat engulfed four to sixhectares of woodland in Queens County.

About 20 members of the Department of Natural Resources, a DNR helicopter, four tankers and crews from local fire departments are helping to fight the fire.

The provincial government's ban on fires now covers almost all of the province. and there are restrictions in the six counties where the ban is not in place.

• Why was Nova Scotia's summer so hot and dry?
• How some people are coping with the drought in southwestern Nova Scotia

Burning bans

The southwest area of Nova Scotia has been experiencing a lengthy dry spell and a burning ban is in effect for Queens, Annapolis, Colchester, Cumberland, Guysborough, Pictou, Hants, Kings, Lunenburg and Halifaxcounties.

• Nova Scotia burning restrictions map

Burning restrictions, which allow fires between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m.,are also in effect for Yarmouth, Digby and Antigonishcounties and all of Cape Breton Island.