The New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development (DNR) is responding to an out-of-control wildfire in the Riverview area. DNR and Riverview fire crews responded to the fire Tuesday evening with support from local fire departments. “At this time, there is no imminent threat to the Town of Riverview,” reads a social medial post from the town. “Residents are asked to stay away from the area so emergency crews can work safely.” The province lists the wildfire on its dashboard as Power line (327) and as of Wednesday afternoon says it’s five hectares and 30 per cent contained. Robin True, chief of Riverview Fire and Rescue, is on the scene. There are roughly 30 firefighters from Riverview, Hillsborough and DNR on fighting the fire. True says he’s not sure if water bombers will return to the area to help. Crews are accessing the fire through a narrow dirt road. Christine McLauchlan lives on the Pine Glen Road about four kilometres away from the blaze. She doesn’t think her home is in danger, but she’s still concerned. “I know these things can spread quickly, especially with the fires in Nova Scotia that we’ve seen that were really devastating,” said McLauchlan. “Just trying to keep tabs on things.” McLauchlan said a fire of this magnitude hasn’t happened in recent memory in the area, but she’s not surprised. “We live in an area that backs onto hundreds and hundreds of acres of forest,” said McLauchlan. Eric Brennan also lives a few kilometres away from the fire, but isn’t too worried. “Yesterday was more of a concern when the fire was announced and overnight when it grew in size, but the fire department is there now,” said Brennan. Brennan said he was ready for the worst case scenario though. “Just started getting stuff ready just in case it gets worse and you have to evacuate,” said Brennan. The fire is burning near the Dobson trail, and the town has closed a section of it to the public. With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Derek Haggett For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
