‘Very serious moment’: New Brunswick reports 16 active wildfires, one considered out of control

Two wildfires in New Brunswick are still out of control as of Wednesday evening.

New Brunswick is reporting 16 active wildfires Wednesday, one of which is considered out of control.

The province says the Miramichi fire has increased in size and is measuring more than 1,300 hectares. The Irishtown fire has now burned 45 hectares, but according to the province’s public fires dashboard, it is now contained.

Premier Susan Holt said it was a “tale of two fires” as crews make progress in Irishtown while the Miramichi fire continues to grow.

“We need to continue to ask people to stay off Crown lands,” she said at a news conference on Wednesday.

Of the remaining 14 fires, one is under control and 13 are being patrolled.

The province says there were six new fires Tuesday.

“A full complement of 14 air tankers is available. Two additional helicopters have been added for a total of three in service,” says a news release from the province.

Thirty firefighters from others areas have travelled to New Brunswick to assist: five from Maine, five from Prince Edward Island and 20 from Nova Scotia.

“It’s very heartening that we have firefighters coming to help us,” Holt said.

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

“This is a very serious moment,” said John Herron, minister of Natural Resources. “New Brunswickers need to be immensely heartened by the courage of the men and women at DNR. Fighting fires in an incredibly arduous environment.

“It’s absolutely inspiring.”

Herron said while the Oldfield fire continues to expand, crews have been successful in steering its trajectory.

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.

Herron said the province still has a request out for two CL-415 water scooper aircrafts.

Risk of lightning-strikes

The New Brunswick government says the weather forecast predicts thunderstorms, adding potential lightning strikes could cause additional fires.

“While we welcome any rain we may see later today or tomorrow, we are concerned about the lightning that might come with it,” said Natural Resources Minister John Herron.

“While this break from extreme heat is a relief, this change brings its own dangers with it, and we need New Brunswickers to continue to take all possible precautions to limit the likelihood of starting any more fires.”

In case of evacuation

The province is reminding residents to have an emergency kit stocked in case of evacuation, adding people in the Irishtown, Tankville, Evangeline and Lakeville areas should be prepared to evacuate on short notice.

“An Evacuation Alert will be issued if you must evacuate,” reads the release.

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

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.”

The organization has also opened 15 comfort centres across the province to allow people the chance to cool down and charge their electronics.

Woods and fire bans in effect

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

Herron said the government is still receiving reports of backyard fires, but noted they are the “rare exception.”

“Most New Brunswickers get it,” he said. “We need to make sure we get through these next couple of weeks.”

Holt also urged residents not to steer drones near the active fires.

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.”

The province says some forestry-related operations will resume Wednesday night or Thursday night “where fire risk can be mitigated.”

“For instance, peat piles may be reduced since they can cause a fire hazard. As well, if a mill has less than a five-day supply of harvested trees, trucks will be allowed to go into the woods to get that supply.

The province says the Department of Natural Resources will communicate directly with those industry stakeholders.

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.”

Economic impact

Herron noted blueberry farmers are impacted by the restrictions on Crown lands and said the government is trying to balance public safety with business interests.

“We’re in contact with folks in the blueberry industry,” he said. “This is harvest time. No one wants them to lose that opportunity to harvest.

The province says blueberries on Crown land may be harvested, but there are restrictions.

“All permitted activities must meet specific conditions, such as working at night and with firefighting equipment on site.”

-With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Sean Mott and Nick Moore

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