Wildfire in Irishtown, New Brunswick, successfully controlled; evacuation warning rescinded
As of August 22, 2025, New Brunswick is battling 18 active wildfires, with four still out of control. The large wildfire near Miramichi, known as the Oldfield Road fire, covering approximately 1,403 hectares, has been reported as contained since Monday, August 18, although it remains a significant focus.
The Oldfield Road fire near Miramichi remains contained but is still monitored closely; it has not caused any loss of structures or serious injuries. On the other hand, there is no specific mention in the current reports of a separate fire near Irishtown, suggesting no active or out-of-control fire threat specifically in that immediate area at this time.
In an effort to combat the wildfires, there are 14 air tankers, three helicopters, and 30 out-of-province firefighters assisting local personnel. The New Brunswick government has imposed a province-wide fire ban and closed all Crown lands due to extreme wildfire hazard. Residents are advised to avoid traveling in affected areas unless necessary to allow emergency crews to operate safely, especially near active fires.
Despite the large-scale firefighting efforts, the lack of rain has been a concern. According to Natural Resources Minister John Herron, 50 millimetres or more of rain would help bring a wildfire under control. Due to the extreme fire danger, residents are also urged to practice water conservation since firefighting resources and water supply might be strained.
Unfortunately, three firefighters have been hospitalized due to heat exhaustion over the past three days. John Herron, the Natural Resources Minister, made the comments about the hospitalized firefighters. Nick Brown, spokesman for the Department of Natural Resources, made the comments about the firefighters' conditions.
The wildfire near Irishtown, which threatened as many as 900 structures, has been contained. An evacuation advisory for the Irishtown wildfire has been lifted at 8 p.m. Wednesday. Environment Canada has a thunderstorm warning in effect for Miramichi and a thunderstorm watch for other parts of the province for Thursday afternoon. About 1,500 people were told to be ready to evacuate under the advisory.
The Miramichi fire has grown overnight to nearly 13.5 square kilometres. To help tackle the wildfires, five firefighters each have been sent from P.E.I. and Maine, and 20 from Nova Scotia. Dry conditions are particularly pronounced in northeastern and southern New Brunswick, especially around Saint John.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels, including the wildfire information line at 1-833-301-0334, and to monitor official Fire Watch pages and dashboards for updates. As always, safety remains the top priority, and the government urges everyone to remain cautious and vigilant during this challenging time.
- The Oldfield Road fire in Miramichi, comprising about 1,403 hectares, remains under control, although it continues to be closely monitored.
- Canada's climate-change scenario has been evident in the current wildfire situation, with New Brunswick facing 18 active wildfires, including the Oldfield Road fire.
- Arts and cultural events in Toronto have paused momentarily as the general-news focus shifts towards the ongoing wildfire battles, particularly in New Brunswick.
- The science community in Canada is closely studying the wildfires, aiming to develop more effective strategies for managing such environmental-science challenges in the future.
- Politicians in Canada are working hand-in-hand to prepare resources for wildfire management, with Ontario sending assistance in the form of air tankers, helicopters, and firefighters to aid the local forces in New Brunswick.
