Mervyn Perry went to bed one night in May 2023 unaware that a tire had been set on fire on his property in Barrington, N.S., sparking the largest wildfire in the province’s history. Court documents from Dalton Stewart’s recent sentencing under the Forests Act revealed that the fire started on Perry’s land near Barrington Lake. It wasn’t until Perry noticed smoke and heard discussions on social media that he realized the fire had been ignited on his sprawling property, which covers over 100 hectares.

Stewart, who pleaded guilty to a charge under the Forests Act, was fined $25,000 on October 16. The court documents detailed how Stewart, while drinking with friends, used cardboard and motor oil as accelerants to start the fire near a local landmark called Homer’s Rock. Despite stomping on the flames before leaving, Stewart did not ensure the embers were extinguished.

The wildfire eventually consumed more than 23,000 hectares, destroying numerous structures and displacing thousands of residents. While Perry’s home and cottage were spared, many trees on his land were scorched, impacting his initial intention of preserving the area for his children’s enjoyment.

Despite acknowledging that the fire’s spread was unintentional and exacerbated by weather conditions, Perry expressed disappointment in the light penalty imposed on Stewart. Volunteer firefighter Kevin Doane, who suffered personal losses due to the fire, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the emotional toll on the affected community.

Looking ahead, Perry emphasized the need to move forward despite the devastation, hoping that future generations will appreciate the land’s recovery. The Crown noted that no charges were brought against others involved, emphasizing the resilience of the community in the face of the wildfire’s aftermath.