Miramichi-area wildfire grows to 1,120 hectares overnight
A wildfire in the Miramichi, N.B., area has doubled in size, growing from 687 hectares to 1,120 hectares overnight.
A wildfire near Moncton is also still out of control, but it remains at 45 hectares, according to the public fires dashboard.
The New Brunswick government reported a third out-of-control wildfire in the Bathurst region on Monday, but that fire is now contained at 1.1 hectares.
There are about 12 wildfires burning in the province Tuesday morning, but only the Miramichi and Moncton-area fires are considered out of control.
'The wildfire situation in New Brunswick has gotten worse since we were sitting here on Saturday,' Holt said during a news conference on Monday.
'This is a scary time for our province and I want to reassure folks that our entire team … we are doing everything possible to protect you and your communities and our forests.'
More resources expected to battle wildfire
Additional resources are expected to land in the province Tuesday to help crews battle the Miramichi-area wildfire, or Oldfield Road Fire, which first broke out last Wednesday.
'At the moment we are unable to get in front of that fire, but we do have the capacity to help steer it, steer it away from people,' said Natural Resource Minister John Herron during Monday's news conference.
Nova Scotia is sending 20 firefighters to New Brunswick while P.E.I. and Maine are each sending five firefighters to the province.
The City of Miramichi says air attack helicopters will be carrying water buckets for 'precision drops' and a Canadair CL-415, a large water bomber plane with a scoop to pick up water, will also be assisting in the firefighting efforts Tuesday.
The Miramichi Professional Firefighters Association says the planes will be scooping water from the Miramichi River, likely somewhere between Middle Island and Sheldrake Island.
'Be aware and give them a wide berth, we will be on the water today to make sure they have the space to safely operate,' said the association in a Facebook post.
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.
Meanwhile, s section of Highway 8 remains closed between Route 450 and Oldfield Road. Russellville Road and McHardy Road are also closed, with traffic being diverted towards Neguac.
Heat warnings and cooling station
Heat warnings remain in effect in the Miramichi area, where maximum daytime temperatures are expected to reach 33 to 36 degrees, though it will feel more like 38 to 42 degrees with the humidex. Temperatures will feel a bit cooler along the coast.
A minimum overnight temperature of 20 degrees is expected.
Environment Canada says the period of hot, humid weather will extend into Wednesday.
To help residents beat the heat, the city has opened a cooling station in the lobby of the Miramichi Eco-Centre/Curling Club on Cove Road.
Air quality statement
An air quality statement is also in effect for the Miramichi area as the smoke from the wildfire causes poor air quality and reduced visibility.
'Smoke from a local wildfire is reducing air quality in these areas and downwind. Local smoke concentrations will vary with small changes to wind speed or direction,' said Environment Canada.
'People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.'
Environment Canada says health risks increase as smoke levels increase and residents should consider limiting they amount of time spent outdoors.
Woods and fire bans in effect
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.
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.'
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.'
Other wildfires
According to the public fires dashboard, the following fires were burning in New Brunswick as of 11:15 a.m. Tuesday:
Oldfield Road – out of control
Irishtown – out of control
Wedge Extension Road – contained
Slash - contained
Lavillette – being patrolled
Black River – being patrolled
Gray Road – being patrolled
Plumweseep Cross – being patrolled
Post – being patrolled
Lauvina Road - being patrolled
Smithfield road - being patrolled
For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
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