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CTV News
an hour ago
- Climate
- CTV News
33 active wildfires burning in New Brunswick, 4 out of control
A fire burns in the Miramichi-area of New Brunswick on Aug. 12, 2025. (CTV Atlantic / New Brunswick Government) The New Brunswick government says 33 active wildfires are burning in the province Tuesday morning, down from 34 active wildfires Monday night. Of those: one fire is under control five are being monitored nine are contained 14 are being patrolled Four wildfires are still out of control: 250 - Chief's 256 - Beaver Lake Stream 273 - Lovalls Lake 281 - Rocky Brook The province says the situation may change and numbers may evolve throughout the day. The government is asking people to avoid travelling in the affected areas unless necessary to allow emergency crews to do their work. 'The situation remains serious in New Brunswick,' Natural Resources Minister John Herron said during a news conference Monday. 'Firefighters have their hands full and we appreciate the teams coming from across Canada to help us.' No structures have been lost due to the wildfires in the province and there have been no serious injuries. The province has created a new phone line for people who have questions about the wildfire: 1-833-301-0334. Information is also available on the Fire Watch page and the Public Fires Dashboard. Oldfield Road fire contained A wildfire that has been burning in the Miramichi area for nearly two weeks became contained Monday morning. Herron said as many as 13 bulldozers and other tractors managed to build a firewall around the fire and water bombers attacked the wildfire over the weekend. Those resources, combined with some much-needed rain, helped to contain the province's largest wildfire. The Oldfield Road fire first started on Aug. 6. It is still estimated to be roughly 1,402 hectares. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Evacuations There are no evacuation orders in effect at this time. Residents living in areas close to wildfire activity are advised to be prepared to evacuate on short notice and prepare an emergency kit just in case. 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 Air quality statements end There are no longer any air quality statements in effect in New Brunswick. There are two in effect in Nova Scotia, in Annapolis and Queens counties, due to the Long Lake wildfire in West Dalhousie. Wildfire status When wildfires burn, the following terms are used to describe their status: out of control – still spreading and not contained being monitored – a known, out-of-control fire that is not immediately threatening life or infrastructure, monitored by aircraft or satellite with no resources currently assigned contained – surrounded by barriers, such as lakes, roads, and fire lines, but still burning and could spread under control – surrounded and stable; low activity, minimal risk of escape being patrolled – contained with little to no fire activity; crews monitoring hotspots out – fully extinguished; no smoke for at least 24 hours fire of note – a fire requiring significant resources or threatening homes or critical infrastructure With files from CTV Atlantic's Andrea Jerrett For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTV News
a day ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Miramichi-area fire now considered contained; 36 active wildfires in N.B.
A wildfire in the Miramichi area is pictured on Aug. 10, 2025. (Source: New Brunswick Department of Natural Resource) A wildfire that has been burning in the Miramichi, N.B., area for almost two weeks is now considered contained. The New Brunswick government issued an update on the wildfire situation in the province Monday morning. 'Old Field Road is now classified as contained, which indicates the fire is surrounded by barriers like bulldozer breaks or hose lines, which are expected to keep it from spreading further if firefighting efforts continue,' said the government. 'However, fire is still actively burning on some or all edges, and it could potentially jump or spread.' The Oldfield Road fire first started on Aug. 6. It was last estimated to be roughly 1,402 hectares. 36 active wildfires There are now 36 active wildfires in New Brunswick, down from 39 active fires on Sunday. The province says six of those fires are considered out of control: 250 – Chief's 273 – Lovalls Lake 256 – Beaver Lake Stream 270 – Jacquet River PNA 278 – Hells Gate 281 – Jacquet River Of the rest: one is under control eight are contained six are being monitored 15 are being patrolled 'Even though some rain fell in areas of the province, wildfire danger remains high,' said the province in its update Monday morning. 'Quick rain showers only dampen the surface, while the dry material underneath can still ignite easily. Sun and wind can dry out that moisture within hours, creating dangerous conditions again.' A news conference providing an update on the wildfire situation will take place at 2:00 p.m. today, Monday, August 18. — Government of NB (@Gov_NB) August 18, 2025 No structures have been lost and, as of Friday, there had been no serious injuries, though the Department of Natural Resources said about seven firefighters had been treated for heat exhaustion. The New Brunswick government will provide an update on the wildfire situation during a news conference at 2 p.m. local time. will be livestreaming the news conference. Meanwhile, the province has created a new phone line for people who have questions about the wildfire: 1-833-301-0334. Information is also available on the Fire Watch page and the Public Fires Dashboard. Evacuations There are no evacuation orders in effect at this time. Residents living in areas close to wildfire activity are advised to be prepared to evacuate on short notice and prepare an emergency kit just in case. 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.' Air Quality Environment Canada has issued an air quality statement for the Miramichi area as smoke from the wildfire reduces local air quality. Air quality issues can cause eye or throat irritation and shortness of breath. The city says to contact a physician or Tele-Care 811 if 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 Residents are encouraged to keep their doors and windows closed and limit time spent outdoors. Wildlife The province is warning residents that the fires are pushing wildlife into unfamiliar areas. 'For your own protection, do not approach or feed wild animals. Drive cautiously near fire zones to avoid collisions, especially with moose, deer, and bears,' reads a social media post by the province. If large or dangerous wildlife is spotted near homes or roads the province asks residents to call DNR at 1-833-301-0334. 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. Wildfire status When wildfires burn, the following terms are used to describe their status: out of control – still spreading and not contained being monitored – a known, out-of-control fire that is not immediately threatening life or infrastructure, monitored by aircraft or satellite with no resources currently assigned contained – surrounded by barriers, such as lakes, roads, and fire lines, but still burning and could spread under control – surrounded and stable; low activity, minimal risk of escape being patrolled – contained with little to no fire activity; crews monitoring hotspots out – fully extinguished; no smoke for at least 24 hours fire of note – a fire requiring significant resources or threatening homes or critical infrastructure For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTV News
2 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
New Brunswick reporting 34 active wildfires; seven out of control
A fire burns in the Miramichi-area of New Brunswick on Aug. 12, 2025. (CTV Atlantic / New Brunswick Government) The number of active wildfires in New Brunswick has decreased to 34 Sunday. As of 11:15 a.m., the province says 15 of the 37 fires are being patrolled, two are under control, five are contained, right are being monitored, and the following seven are out of control: 208 - Old Field Road 250 - Chief's 273 – Lovalls Lake 256- Beaver Lake Stream 265 – Bear Landing 269 - Moose Brook 2 281 No structures have been lost and there have been no serious injuries, though about seven firefighters have been treated for heat exhaustion. Oldfield Road fire As of 11:15 a.m., the Oldfield Road fire in the Miramichi area is estimated at 1,402 hectares. The fire first started on Aug. 6. Wildfire status When wildfires burn the following terms are used to describe their status: out of control – still spreading and not contained being monitored – a known, out of control fire that is not immediately threatening life or infrastructure, monitored by aircraft or satellite with no resources currently assigned contained – surrounded by barriers, such as lakes, roads, and fire lines, but still burning and could spread under control – surrounded and stable; low activity, minimal risk of escape being patrolled – contained with little to no fire activity; crews monitoring hotspots out – fully extinguished; no smoke for at least 24 hours fire of note – a fire requiring significant resources or threatening homes or critical infrastructure Evacuations As of Sunday morning, the evacuation advisory for people in Lavillette has been lifted. Residents are advised to review their evacuation plans and make sure their emergency preparedness kits are ready. 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.' Alert system The City of Miramichi is asking residents to register for Voyent Alerts to stay informed during the wildfire. Voyent Alert is a 'community communication and notification system designed to provide Miramichi residents with timely, location-based alerts for both critical emergencies and everyday updates,' according to the website. Residents can register online. 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.' 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 Environment Canada has issued an air quality statement for the Miramichi area as smoke from the wildfire reduces local air quality. 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 Wildlife The province is warning residents that the fires are pushing wildlife into unfamiliar areas. 'For your own protection, do not approach or feed wild animals. Drive cautiously near fire zones to avoid collisions, especially with moose, deer, and bears,' reads a social media post by the province. If large or dangerous wildlife is spotted near homes or roads the province asks residents to call DNR at 1-833-301-0334. 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.' -With files from CTV News Atlantic's Melanie Price For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTV News
6 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
New Brunswick reports 16 active wildfires, two considered out of control
A fire burns in the Miramichi-area of New Brunswick on Aug. 12, 2025. (CTV Atlantic / New Brunswick Government) New Brunswick is reporting 16 active wildfires Wednesday, two of which are considered out of control – Oldfield Road near Miramichi and Irishtown near Moncton. The province says the Miramichi fire has increased in size and is measuring over 1,300 hectares. The Irishtown fire has now burned 45 hectares. Of the remaining 14 fires, one is under control and 13 are being patrolled. The province says there were six new fires Tuesday. 'A full complement of 14 air tankers is available. Two additional helicopters have been added for a total of three in service,' says a news release from the province. Thirty firefighters from others areas have travelled to New Brunswick to assist: five from Maine, five from Prince Edward Island and 20 from Nova Scotia. No structures have been reported destroyed by fire at this time. 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. Codiac Response Irishtown Air support is pictured at the scene of a forest fire in Irishtown, N.B., on Aug. 10, 2025. (Source: Facebook/Codiac Response) In case of evacuation The province is reminding residents to have an emergency kit stocked in case of evacuation, adding people in the Irishtown, Tankville, Evangeline and Lakeville areas should be prepared to evacuate on short notice. 'An Evacuation Alert will be issued if you must evacuate,' reads the release. 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 Now is the time to get ready for an evacuation. Do you know what to do in an evacuation? Here's how to prepare: • Make your plan with this easy to use template: • Stay informed. Follow trusted sources and check regularly… — NBEMO / OMUNB (@NBEMO_OMUNB) August 13, 2025 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.' Irishtown fire Firefighters are pictured working on the Irishtown firemon Aug. 12, 2025. (Source: New Brunswick government) Wildfire update The province will hold update New Brunswickers on the wildfire situation in the province during a news conference at 2:30 p.m., which CTV Atlantic will livestream. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTV News
12-06-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
NB government reverses school budget cuts
Atlantic Watch The New Brunswick government has walked back planned budget cuts to school districts.
