The New Brunswick government has released a multi-year wildfire management plan, evaluating what worked and what needed improvement from last year’s historic season. A total of 444 wildfires were recorded in New Brunswick in 2025, burning about 3,400 hectares of forest. Between 1990 and 2024 the province recorded an average of 326 wildfires, burning about 939 hectares of forest annually. An after-action review for 2025 found wildfires were detected early, air and ground resources were mobilized quickly, and fire suppression strategies were applied effectively. The review noted that decision-making responsibilities weren’t always clear during last year’s emergency. Natural Resources Minister John Herron says one example includes the decision-making authority for issuing evacuation alerts. “Who gives that actual cue to do the evacuations? We want to make sure that we formalized and made it crystal clear about who was responsible,” says Herron, noting it’s the Department of Justice and Public Safety. The review also calls for improving the speed and capacity of moving equipment from fire departments across the province, to where resources are needed most during wildfire emergencies. While lightning and human activity are nearly tied for the leading cause of wildfires across Canada, the review says “human activity remains the primary cause” in New Brunswick. About 80 of the 2025 wildfires were recorded as being caused by humans. “In contrast, low frequency fires, such as those related to recreation, lightning, and industrial activities resulted in disproportionally larger burned areas,” says the review. “These fires often occurred in remote locations or under conditions that allowed them to grow before suppression efforts could be fully mobilized.” Herron says the province’s wildfire management plan doesn’t include proposals to introduce more argentous fines. “New Brunswickers en-masse want to do the right thing,” says Herron. There were no wildfire injuries, and no structural losses recorded in New Brunswick recorded during the 2025 season. The province says changes in effect for the 2026 wildfire season include the addition of four amphibious water bombers, a new online information dashboard, and the conversion of 74 seasonal forest ranger positions into year-round roles. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
