Crews battle out of control fires in Cottage Country
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CTV News
37 minutes ago
- CTV News
Irishtown fire contained but hotspots persist: firefighters association
The Irishtown, N.B., wildfire was still out of control as of Tuesday. (Source: Government of New Brunswick) The Irishtown, N.B., wildfire that burned up to 54 hectares near Moncton is now contained, but officials are warning the public it could be reclassified as out of control if weather conditions change. The Department of Natural Resources first detected the fire on Sunday morning. It was classified as out of control before being reduced to 45 hectares and later being labeled as contained on Wednesday night. 'While crews will continue working to fully extinguish hot spots over the coming days, residents can rest easier tonight knowing the threat has significantly reduced,' the Moncton Firefighters Association said in a Facebook post. According to the Government of New Brunswick's website, a fire is considered 'contained' if it is 'is surrounded by barriers like bulldozer breaks or hose lines, which are expected to keep it from spreading further if firefighting efforts continue.' The government notes, however, that contained fires are still burning and could spread. 'Contained' is one step above 'under control' on the government's ranking of wildfires. A fire is considered 'out' when it is completely extinguished with no visible smoke for at least 24 hours. The Irishtown wildfire prompted evacuation advisories for the Irishtown, Evangeline, Tankville and Lakeville communities, but those have since been lifted. 'The fire in Irishtown is now contained, but active flames remain at the center of the perimeter,' said the rural community of Maple Hills in a Facebook post. 'Ash may still drift outside the area. 'Conditions could change quickly. The fire may be reclassified as out of control if weather or behavior worsens.' Other fires There are currently 15 active wildfires in New Brunswick. The biggest is the Oldfield Road fire near Miramichi, which is out of control and has grown to more than 1,300 hectares. Three other fires are considered out of control: Maple Glen, Caché and Chief's. Nine wildfires are being patrolled and two are contained. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTV News
37 minutes ago
- CTV News
Montreal fire danger level could hit ‘extreme' this weekend: SOPFEU
The Greater Montreal area is expected to be back under an extreme fire danger rating by Saturday, according to Quebec's wildfire protection agency. Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SPOFEU) fire information officer Mélanie Morin says a prolonged lack of rain has dried out vegetation across southern Quebec. 'Many gardens and lawns are dry, and that has been reflected in the fire danger rating as well as the fire activity that we've had,' she said. Although patchy rainfall on Wednesday lowered Montreal's fire danger to 'moderate,' Morin warns that relief should be short-lived. 'We're back down to moderate fire danger, but that is usually only a short-term relief,' she said. 'By Saturday, extreme for the Montreal area and very high for the Laurentians.' When conditions reach an extreme level, even a small ember can start a blaze, she warned. 'Once we get up into high, very high, extreme fire danger… the slightest spark could cause a wildfire,' Morin said. SOPFEU is urging residents to check local regulations before lighting fires, as they vary by municipality. In Montreal, open-air fires, bonfires, outdoor fireplaces and fireworks are always prohibited without prior authorization, regardless of the fire danger level. Morin says most of the recent fires in southern Quebec have been linked to human activity in areas where there's a lot of tourism, recreation, and cottages. 'People who are out and about using fire near the woods,' she said. For property owners in or near forested areas, Morin recommends using spark-arrestor fire pits, keeping vegetation around homes green and cleaned up where possible, and always extinguishing fires before bed. 'Make sure you put your fire out before you go to bed, and if you're in a fire danger area that's very high to extreme, avoid the use of fireworks,' she said. Morin says even though most wildfires typically occur in May and June across Quebec, drought conditions can increase the risk. 'We see it every few years, where a situation will build up, and then it'll take a change in weather — lots of rain, cooler temperatures,' to bring the risk back down, she said. Currently, there are no wildfires burning near Montreal. The closest active blazes are near Mont-Tremblant, where two small fires are under control.
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Miramichi-area fire 1 of 4 out of control in New Brunswick, measuring more than 1,300 hectares
Smoke from the Miramichi fire billows is the sky. (Source: Government of New Brunswick. The New Brunswick government says the Oldfield Road fire in the Miramichi area is still out of control Thursday. The Miramichi-area fire continues to measure more than 1,300 hectares and is one of four considered out of control in the province, including Maple Glen, Caché and Chief's. There are 11 additional fires burning in the province, nine are being patrolled and two are considered contained. The province says multiple new lightning starts are under review and no structure losses have been reported at this time. Resources Fourteen air tankers, three helicopters and 177 firefighters are battling fires in New Brunswick. The government says, if weather permits, two more helicopters will arrive in the province Friday. Firefighters from Maine, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia continue to provide assistance. In case of evacuation The province is reminding residents to have an emergency kit stocked in case of evacuation. The kit should include necessities for at least 72 hours, such as: water food flashlight radio batteries first aid masks (for smoke filtration) prescription medications pet food 'Wildfires can move quickly, and not everyone may be able to get information or leave safely on their own. During an evacuation, take a moment to check on those around you,' reads a news release from the government. 'Lend a hand where you can, and have your own plan ready to go.' Advisory vs alert The New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization wants to make sure residents understand the difference between two different terms – evacuation advisory and evacuation alert. 'Evacuation advisory - Be ready to leave on short notice. Pack essentials (ID, medication, pets, emergency kit) and be prepared to go quickly if conditions change,' reads a post on social media from the organization. 'Evacuation alert - Leave immediately. This means the wildfire poses an imminent risk. Follow the instructions in the Alert Ready notification and go to the designated safe location. Staying informed helps you act quickly and safely.' The organization has also opened 15 comfort centres across the province to allow people the chance to cool down and charge their electronics. 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 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.' Water conservation The City of Miramichi is urging residents to conserve water by: avoiding washing vehicles, watering lawns, or filling pools using appliances only with full loads taking short showers installing low-flow faucets where possible repairing plumbing leaks promptly Air Quality The City of Miramichi says there is a high probability of smoke affecting air quality in certain areas. Air quality issues can cause eye or throat irritation and shortness of breath. The city says to contact a physician or Tele-Care 811 is symptoms worsen and to call 911 if you are in severe distress. Vulnerable groups include: infants children pregnant women older adults smokers people with chronic heart/lung disease For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
