Miramichi-area wildfire doubles in size to 1,120 hectares overnight

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Miramichi, N.B., mayor discusses wildfire

Miramichi-area wildfire doubles in size

A wildfire in the Miramichi, N.B., area has doubled in size, growing from 687 hectares to 1,120 hectares overnight.

A wildfire near Moncton is also still out of control, but it remains at 45 hectares, according to the public fires dashboard.

There were 12 wildfires burning in the province early Tuesday afternoon, but only the Miramichi and Moncton-area fires are considered out of control. The rest are either contained or are being controlled.

No structures have been reported destroyed by fire at this time.

“The wildfire situation in New Brunswick has gotten worse since we were sitting here on Saturday,” Holt said during a news conference on Monday.

“This is a scary time for our province and I want to reassure folks that our entire team … we are doing everything possible to protect you and your communities and our forests.”

More resources land in N.B.

Additional resources were called in to help crews battle the Miramichi-area wildfire, or Oldfield Road Fire, which first broke out last Wednesday.

Nova Scotia sent 20 firefighters to New Brunswick while P.E.I. and Maine each sent five firefighters to the province.

The Department of Natural Resources says 14 air tankers are available and two more helicopters have been added, so three are now in service.

“At the moment we are unable to get in front of that fire, but we do have the capacity to help steer it, steer it away from people,” said Natural Resource Minister John Herron during Monday’s news conference.

The City of Miramichi said air attack helicopters would be carrying water buckets for “precision drops” and a Canadair CL-415, a large water bomber plane with a scoop to pick up water, would be assisting in the firefighting efforts Tuesday.

The Miramichi Professional Firefighters Association said the planes would be scooping water from the Miramichi River, likely somewhere between Middle Island and Sheldrake Island.

“Be aware and give them a wide berth, we will be on the water today to make sure they have the space to safely operate,” said the association in a Facebook post.

The province announced Monday that all Department of Natural Resources offices are now closed so personnel, many of which are trained firefighters, can focus their energy on the firefighting efforts.

Meanwhile, a section of Highway 8 remains closed between Route 450 and Oldfield Road. Russellville Road and McHardy Road are also closed, with traffic being diverted towards Neguac.

Heat warnings and cooling station

Heat warnings were in effect in the Miramichi area, where maximum daytime temperatures reached 33 to 36 degrees, though it felt more like 38 to 42 degrees with the humidex. Temperatures felt a bit cooler along the coast.

A minimum overnight temperature of 20 degrees is expected.

Environment Canada says the period of hot, humid weather will extend into Wednesday.

To help residents beat the heat, the city has opened a cooling station in the lobby of the Miramichi Eco-Centre/Curling Club on Cove Road.

Air quality statement

An air quality statement is also in effect for the Miramichi area as the smoke from the wildfire causes poor air quality and reduced visibility.

“Smoke from a local wildfire is reducing air quality in these areas and downwind. Local smoke concentrations will vary with small changes to wind speed or direction,” said Environment Canada.

“People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.”

Environment Canada says health risks increase as smoke levels increase and residents should consider limiting they amount of time spent outdoors.

Woods and fire bans in effect

A provincewide burn ban is in effect and all Crown lands are closed.

Residents are not allowed to hike, camp, fish or use vehicles in the woods at this time, and all trail systems through the woods are off-limits.

Camping is only allowed in official campgrounds, but the province is asking people to reconsider their camping plans until the forest fire risk decreases.

Private property owners are being encouraged to follow the same restrictions.

Forestry operations such as harvesting, forwarding, skidding, scarification, chipping and all pre-commercial thinning and cleaning, are also prohibited.

“This is for your safety, the safety of your communities and the safety of firefighters putting their lives on the line,” said Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin during Monday’s news conference. “Please remain outside the forests, we can’t repeat it enough.”

In Miramichi, the city has closed the following trails:

• French Fort Cove
• Millbank Nature Trails
• Morrison Cove Trails

The province is also urging residents to stay away from the wildfires and give the firefighters space to do their jobs.

“Now is not the time for fire tourism,” said Holt. “There have been people who have wanted to get that great picture for social media, but we need to keep our roads and our emergency areas as clear as possible.”

Other wildfires

According to the public fires dashboard, the following fires were burning in New Brunswick as of 1:30 p.m. Tuesday:

• Oldfield Road – out of control
• Irishtown – out of control
• Wedge Extension Road – contained
• Slash - contained
• Chemin Tommy - being patrolled
• Lavillette – being patrolled
• Black River – being patrolled
• Gray Road – being patrolled
• Plumweseep Cross – being patrolled
• Post – being patrolled
• Lauvina Road - being patrolled
• Smithfield road - being patrolled

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