HALIFAX, Canada (AP) — Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has urged people to stay out of forests and avoid activities that could cause more fires after a wildfire raged. is declared on Canada’s Atlantic Ocean coast, damaging some 200 homes and other structures and causing the evacuation of 16,000 people.

“It’s wide. It’s heartbreaking,” said the prime minister of one of Canada’s 13 federal entities. Houston announced a ban on logging activities after visiting the disaster area to check the damage caused by the fire.

Many residents were eager to return home on Tuesday to assess any damage and see if their pets had survived, as firefighters feared dry and windy conditions could spark “another fire” in evacuated areas. Meteorologists predict warm weather on Wednesday and no rain until Friday.

Houston said the ban covers all travel and activities in forested areas. This includes all forestry, mining, hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, driving and all commercial activities on government land, the premier added.

“Don’t burn right now. Do not burn in Nova Scotia. Conservation officials reported six illegal burnings last night. It’s totally ridiculous with what is happening in this province: three fires out of control, eight fires yesterday, 12 on Sunday. Don’t burn! said Houston on Tuesday. “We need to do what we can to make sure we don’t have any new fires.”

Scott Tingley, director of forest protection with the province’s wildlife management group, said it was safe to say the fires were “very likely human-caused”.

“Much of it was probably avoidable. Accidents happen and that’s why we appreciate the Prime Minister’s message,” Tingley added.