Severe wildfire danger triggers shutdown of all Crown lands in New Brunswick
Wildfires Rage Across New Brunswick: Evacuation Advisories, Ban on Outdoor Activities, and Crown Land Closure
A series of wildfires continue to rage across New Brunswick, with 35 active fires as of August 18, 2025. Six of these fires are classified as out of control, including the Old Field Road fire near Miramichi, Chief’s, Lovalls Lake, Beaver Lake Stream, Bear Landing, and Moose Brook 2.
The Old Field Road fire, which was recently declared contained but is still actively burning at its edges, has forced hundreds of people to evacuate their communities. Two fires are located in the Avalon Peninsula, and another is south near Holyrood.
Despite the evacuation advisory for the Lavillette fire (fire 271) being lifted as it is now contained, residents are advised to remain prepared for evacuation on short notice due to high wildfire danger and dry conditions.
In response to the extreme wildfire hazard, the New Brunswick government has closed all Crown land to the public and imposed a province-wide fire ban. This includes all provincial parks, hiking, camping, fishing, and the use of vehicles in the woods. The section of Highway 8 near Miramichi is closed between Route 450 and McHardy Road, and Russelville Road and McHardy Road are also closed, with traffic being diverted towards Neguac.
Anyone camping on Crown land on Saturday was urged to leave by midnight, and the closure is effective as of 12:01 a.m. on Sunday. Premier Susan Holt has urged all New Brunswickers to leave and stay out of the woods, and people are being asked to avoid using private wood lots and wood roads.
In addition to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia has imposed a sweeping ban on activities in wooded areas. Another fire in central Newfoundland, south of Bishop’s Falls, was reported on Tuesday afternoon.
The closure of Crown land and the province-wide fire ban are meant to ensure safety and preserve the province's forests. Residents are being asked to reconsider their plans for camping until the fire risk decreases.
| Status | Number | Locations / Fires | |------------------|-----------|-------------------------------------------------| | Active fires | 35 | Across New Brunswick | | Out of control | 6 | Old Field Road, Chief’s, Lovalls Lake, Beaver Lake Stream, Bear Landing, Moose Brook 2 | | Evacuation advisory | Lifted | Lavillette fire (previously under advisory) |
While no current active evacuations are reported, high caution is advised. Stay tuned for updates on the wildfire situation in New Brunswick.
- The wildfire crisis in New Brunswick has sparked significant concern in the realm of environmental science, as the out-of-control fires are causing extensive damage to the province's forests.
- As the political landscape grapples with the escalating climate-change crisis, the ongoing wildfires in New Brunswick are making headlines in general-news outlets worldwide, raising awareness about the urgent need for effective wildfire management strategies.
