New Brunswick reporting 29 active wildfires; Miramichi fire grows to 1,400 hectares

New Brunswick officials provided an update on the six out of control wildfires in the province.

The number of active wildfires in New Brunswick increased to 29 on Friday and the province’s biggest wildfire has grown again.

As of 7:05 p.m., the province says six of the 29 fires are being patrolled, three are under control, eight are contained, five are being monitored, and the following seven are out of control:

• Oldfield Road (Miramichi)
• Chief’s
• Newtown
• Moose Brook 2
• Green Brook
• Beaver Lake stream
• 271 (Lavillette)

The 271 fire has prompted an evacuation advisory for people in Lavillette. Residents are advised to review their evacuation plans and make sure their emergency preparedness kits are ready.

No structures have been lost and there have been no serious injuries, though about seven firefighters have been treated for heat exhaustion.

Additional resources

The province is expecting 40 firefighters from Ontario to arrive on Saturday, while 20 Nova Scotia firefighters are headed back home to fight fires there.

“Right now wildfires are a problem across the country and throughout Atlantic Canada and because of that we are sharing resources as needed to manage situations based on severity,” said New Brunswick Natural Resource Minister John Herron during a news conference Friday afternoon.

“I am pleased to say again that each day it would appear that we have additional resources added to our toolkit.”

Herron said the province has borrowed three mid-sized water bombers for a short period of time and is also hoping to add two larger water bombers.

Oldfield Road fire grows

Herron said the Oldfield Road fire in the Miramichi area “continues to rage” and has now grown to 1,400 hectares, up from 1,300 on Thursday. The fire first started on Aug. 6.

“We’ve so far only been able to steer it and we have not been able to get out in front of it just because it is that robust,” said Herron, who also noted the conditions are “exceptionally dry,” during Friday’s news conference.

Weather and lightning

Herron said “back-to-back days of lightning strikes” aren’t helping the situation, noting they started about 20 new fires over the last few days.

“It’s important to note that lightning strikes don’t always create an immediate fire,” said Herron. “We may have lightning and a strike has occurred but that can smoulder for up to two weeks.”

As for the weather, he said there’s lots of sun in the forecast and some rain, but not enough to make a significant difference. He also noted rain can bring lightning with it, which can create more problems.

Herron said too much rain can also be problematic because it can create conditions that make it difficult to move firefighting equipment.

“It can actually detract from our ability to actually combat fire, so if we could have a constant mist for two or three weeks, that would be the ideal situation if that were to arise,” he said.

Supporting crews

Herron said firefighters are grateful for the outpouring of support from New Brunswickers, but he is asking residents not to bring food or drinks to fire teams.

He said it’s “a great gesture” but there are guidelines related to food safety that must be followed and it can also be tricky logistically for them to get donated food and drinks to firefighters.

“I want New Brunswickers to know we are feeding, watering, making sure those firefighters have every single thing they need,” he said.

The Miramichi Professional Firefighters Association shared a gratitude post after Carrefour Beausoleil opened its doors for firefighting crews and set up 91 beds.

“Your generosity, warmth, and quick action mean the world to those on the front lines and in support roles. This is community spirit at its finest – supporting those who are here to protect you,” reads the post.

Wildfire status

When wildfires burn the following terms are used to describe their status:

• out of control – still spreading and not contained
• being monitored – a known, out of control fire that is not immediately threatening life or infrastructure, monitored by aircraft or satellite with no resources currently assigned
• contained – surrounded by barriers, such as lakes, roads, and fire lines, but still burning and could spread
• under control – surrounded and stable; low activity, minimal risk of escape
• being patrolled – contained with little to no fire activity; crews monitoring hotspots
• out – fully extinguished; no smoke for at least 24 hours
• fire of note – a fire requiring significant resources or threatening homes or critical infrastructure

In case of evacuation

There are no evacuation orders in place, but Herron said people living in impacted areas should have an emergency kit ready and be prepared to evacuate on short notice, just in case.

The kit should include necessities for at least 72 hours, such as:

• water
• food
• flashlight
• radio
• batteries
• first aid
• masks (for smoke filtration)
• prescription medications
• pet food

“Wildfires can move quickly, and not everyone may be able to get information or leave safely on their own. During an evacuation, take a moment to check on those around you,” reads a news release from the government.

“Lend a hand where you can, and have your own plan ready to go.”

Alert system

The City of Miramichi is asking residents to register for Voyent Alerts to stay informed during the wildfire.

Voyent Alert is a “community communication and notification system designed to provide Miramichi residents with timely, location-based alerts for both critical emergencies and everyday updates,” according to the website.

Residents can register online.

Advisory vs alert

The New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization wants to make sure residents understand the difference between two different terms – evacuation advisory and evacuation alert.

“Evacuation advisory - Be ready to leave on short notice. Pack essentials (ID, medication, pets, emergency kit) and be prepared to go quickly if conditions change,” reads a post on social media from the organization.

“Evacuation alert - Leave immediately. This means the wildfire poses an imminent risk. Follow the instructions in the Alert Ready notification and go to the designated safe location. Staying informed helps you act quickly and safely.”

Water conservation

The City of Miramichi is urging residents to conserve water by:

• avoiding washing vehicles, watering lawns, or filling pools
• using appliances only with full loads
• taking short showers
• installing low-flow faucets where possible
• repairing plumbing leaks promptly

Air Quality

Environment Canada has issued an air quality statement for the Miramichi area as smoke from the wildfire reduces local air quality. https://weather.gc.ca/

Air quality issues can cause eye or throat irritation and shortness of breath. The city says to contact a physician or Tele-Care 811 is symptoms worsen and to call 911 if you are in severe distress.

Vulnerable groups include:

• infants
• children
• pregnant women
• older adults
• smokers
• people with chronic heart/lung disease

Wildlife

The province is warning residents that the fires are pushing wildlife into unfamiliar areas.

“For your own protection, do not approach or feed wild animals. Drive cautiously near fire zones to avoid collisions, especially with moose, deer, and bears,” reads a social media post by the province.

If large or dangerous wildlife is spotted near homes or roads the province asks residents to call DNR at 1-833-301-0334.

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 New Brunswick Premier Susan 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.”

-With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Sean Mott

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