The provincial government is looking at every possible measure to reduce the risk of fire as the hot, dry summer continues with no precipitation in sight.

In his update yesterday, Premier John Hogan said he was looking at tightening the fines for those who violate the ban. The penalty currently could be as low as $75 but he says government will stiffen that up considerably, possibly up to $25,000.

While the premier says he does not understand the rationale behind barring people from doing recreational activities in the forest like Nova Scotia, he said they will be looking at all possibilities including restricting the use of ATVs.

“We are looking at everything right now all options,” the premier told reporters.

“(We want) to make sure that we do not have any unnecessary fire activity or human-created fire activity for the rest of the summer.”

Meanwhile, recreational boats are causing havoc for water bombers trying to fight fire across the province.

Forestry Minister Lisa Dempster says some water bombers haven’t been able to fill up at some lakes because boaters have been using them for recreation.

She is asking the public to dock their boats while the planes are in the area.

“They are hindering progress of our bombers if they’re in bodies of water where they are scooping down.”