3 wildfires now out of control in N.B., including week-long Miramichi-area fire
This includes the Oldfield Road fire in the Miramichi area that has been burning for over a week and currently encompasses 1,358 hectares.
The new out-of-control labels include a fire just northwest of the one in Miramichi near the old Heath Steele Mine, deemed the "Cheif's" fire, which encompasses 25 hectares and was detected around 3 p.m. Wednesday.
The other fire listed as out of control is called the Caché fire, at 0.1 hectares, and is just west of Bathurst. It was detected around 1 p.m. Wednesday.
The Irishtown fire near Moncton, which covered 45 hectares, has since been contained. Contained fires have barriers surrounding them, but are still burning on all or some edges, and have the potential to jump the barrier.
As of Thursday, there is no longer an Environment Canada heat warning in effect, but the province has been seeing temperatures in the low to high 30s for the last number of days, with humidex values in the 40s.
But the Acadian Peninsula, the Miramichi area and Moncton area all have special weather statements in effect for air quality. The statements suggest people keep windows and doors closed and reduce exposure to wildfire smoke by wearing a respirator mask when outdoors.
According to CBC meteorologist Tina Simpkin, New Brunswick has a chance of showers Thursday with a risk of thunderstorms. Temperatures could range from 21 C along the coast to 29 C inland.
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'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.' 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 New Brunswick Premier Susan 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.' -With files from CTV News Atlantic's Melanie Price For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
