Irishtown fire contained but hotspots persist: firefighters association

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt visited Maple Hills to thank volunteers and staff for their work with the Irishtown wildfire.

The Irishtown, N.B., wildfire that burned up to 54 hectares near Moncton is now contained, but officials are warning the public it could be reclassified as out of control if weather conditions change.

The Department of Natural Resources first detected the fire on Sunday morning. It was classified as out of control before being reduced to 45 hectares and later being labeled as contained on Wednesday night.

“While crews will continue working to fully extinguish hot spots over the coming days, residents can rest easier tonight knowing the threat has significantly reduced,” the Moncton Firefighters Association said in a Facebook post.

Gloria Mazzerolle and Lynn Harris both live near the fire and felt a huge sense of relief when news broke that it was contained.

“As soon as we found out it was like, ah, I can breathe and the neighbourhood will be here and our neighbours don’t have to move or anything,” said Mazerolle. “It was hard to believe it was happening to us.”

Both women have been volunteering at the Maple Hills Community Centre all week long.

Harris was just as relieved as her friend.

“I actually went out on my patio last night and just looked around and said, ‘Thank God, it’s still here,” said Harris.

According to the Government of New Brunswick’s website, a fire is considered “contained” if it is “is surrounded by barriers like bulldozer breaks or hose lines, which are expected to keep it from spreading further if firefighting efforts continue.”

The government notes, however, that contained fires are still burning and could spread.

“Contained” is one step above “under control” on the government’s ranking of wildfires. A fire is considered “out” when it is completely extinguished with no visible smoke for at least 24 hours.

The Irishtown wildfire prompted evacuation advisories for the Irishtown, Evangeline, Tankville and Lakeville communities, but those have since been lifted.

“The fire in Irishtown is now contained, but active flames remain at the center of the perimeter,” said the rural community of Maple Hills in a Facebook post. “Ash may still drift outside the area.

“Conditions could change quickly. The fire may be reclassified as out of control if weather or behavior worsens.”

Premier’s visit

Premier Susan Holt, Department of Natural Resources Minister John Herron and Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin visited the Maple Hills Community Centre and council chambers Thursday afternoon to thank volunteers and provide an update.

“We’re really, really pleased that the Irishtown fire is contained because of the fantastic work from our firefighters and ground crews and emergency responders that all work together to do some different things, some new things,” Holt said. “To get the perimeter in place to contain and thanks to the fantastic leadership from the municipalities who are constantly in communication with the residents and with us to make sure that all of the supports are being provided as we work with New Brunswickers through a really scary period.”

Other fires

There are currently 15 active wildfires in New Brunswick. The biggest is the Oldfield Road fire near Miramichi, which is out of control and has grown to more than 1,300 hectares.

Three other fires are considered out of control: Maple Glen, Caché and Chief’s.

Nine wildfires are being patrolled and two are contained.

-With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Derek Haggett

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.