Wildfires Continue to Rage Across New Brunswick
Overnight, the wildfire in the Miramichi region expanded, now covering an area of 1,120 hectares.
New Brunswick is currently grappling with multiple wildfires, with the situation evolving rapidly. As of August 20, there are 20 active wildfires in the province, five of which remain out of control [1][2].
Oldfield Road Fire Update
The Oldfield Road Fire in the Miramichi area, which has been burning for two weeks, has grown to an estimated 1,403 hectares[1]. Although the fire was contained as of Monday morning, the cause of the blaze remains under investigation [1].
Assistance from Other Provinces
In response to the wildfires, New Brunswick is receiving assistance from neighbouring provinces. Additional water bombers and firefighters from Ontario and Quebec have been dispatched to aid in the firefighting efforts [4].
Evacuation and Precautions
At present, there are no evacuation orders in effect. However, residents near wildfire areas are advised to be prepared to evacuate on short notice and assemble emergency kits [1]. To mitigate wildfire risk, New Brunswick has implemented measures such as a "stay out of woods" order and the closure of crown land to the public [4].
Road Closures and Public Advisories
A section of Highway 8 remains closed between Route 450 and Oldfield Road, and Russellville Road and McHardy Road are also closed, with traffic being diverted towards Neguac [3].
A new phone line (1-833-301-0334) has been established for public inquiries about the wildfires, and information is available on the Fire Watch page and the Public Fires Dashboard [1].
Air Quality Statement
An air quality statement is in effect for the Miramichi area due to smoke from the wildfire causing poor air quality and reduced visibility [5]. People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including the elderly, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with existing illnesses or chronic health conditions, and those who work outdoors, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.
Additional Resources
Additional resources, including firefighters from Nova Scotia, P.E.I., and Maine, have been called in to help battle the Miramichi-area wildfire.
The City of Miramichi will be using air attack helicopters for "precision drops" and a Canadair CL-415 water bomber plane in the firefighting efforts [6].
Restrictions and Advisories
Forestry operations such as harvesting, forwarding, skidding, scarification, chipping, and all pre-commercial thinning and cleaning are prohibited [7]. 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 [7].
Private property owners are being encouraged to follow the same restrictions [8]. Camping is only allowed in official campgrounds, but the province is asking people to reconsider their camping plans until the forest fire risk decreases [9].
Stay tuned for further updates on the wildfire situation in New Brunswick.
- The ongoing wildfires in New Brunswick have prompted the need for a weather forecast to anticipate the potential weather conditions that could exacerbate the situation.
- The current news about the wildfires includes video updates from the affected areas, showcasing the size of the wildfires, the efforts of firefighters, and the impact on the environment.
- With the evolving wildfire situation, it's crucial to stay informed about the regional air quality, especially in areas like the Miramichi, where smoke from the wildfires affects visibility and air quality.
- In addition to combating the wildfires, it's essential to focus on environmental-science research to better understand climate-change effects on wildfire frequency and intensity in order to develop more effective strategies for fire prevention and management in the future.
