Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston urged people to stay out of the woods and avoid activities that could spark more fires after a wildfire on Canada’s Atlantic Ocean coast damaged approximately 200 homes and other structures and caused the evacuation of 16,000 people.

“It’s broad. It’s heartbreaking,” said the prime minister of one of Canada’s 13 federal entities. Houston announced the ban on forestry 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 possible damage and see if their pets had survived, while firefighters expressed concern that dry and windy conditions could spark “another fire” in evacuated areas. The weather forecast calls for 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 lands, the premier added.

“Don’t burn right now. Don’t burn in Nova Scotia. Conservation officials reported six illegal burns last night. This is totally ridiculous with what’s happening in this province: three fires out of control, eight fires yesterday, 12 on Sunday: “Don’t burn!” Houston said Tuesday. “We have to do what we can to ensure there are no new fires.”

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

“A lot of these problems were probably avoidable. Accidents happen and that’s why we appreciate the Prime Minister’s message,” Tingley added.