Wildfire north of Moncton prompts Maple Hills to prepare for possible evacuation; boil-water advisory issued amid firefighting efforts.
Wildfire Advances Toward Maple Hills
A rapidly spreading wildfire broke out Sunday north of Moncton, prompting the rural New Brunswick community of Maple Hills to warn residents to prepare for possible evacuation. The fire, spanning about 30 hectares near MacArthur Lane, drew firefighting teams from Moncton, Dieppe, and Riverview.
High-Risk Zones Mapped
According to a community update, areas most at risk are bounded by Cape Breton Road, Weisner Road, Elmwood Drive, and Roma Way. As of 10 p.m., no evacuation order had been issued, but residents were urged to pack personal items and ensure pets were ready to move.
Leadership Urges Preparedness
Mayor Erica Warren said the blaze remained out of control but was not currently moving toward homes. She added that the Department of Natural Resources was digging trenches to create fire breaks and slow its spread. The mayor praised first responders for swift action, noting conditions could be “a whole lot worse” without their efforts.
Public Safety Measures in Place
The City of Moncton issued a boil-water advisory for properties along Elmwood Drive, north of the Trans-Canada Highway, due to turbidity caused by high water demand for firefighting. The advisory covers Granite Drive, Royal Oaks subdivision, and civic addresses starting at 759 Elmwood Dr. Residents are advised to boil water for at least one minute before use. Irishtown Nature Park has been closed until further notice.
Community Response
The Moncton Firefighters Association urged the public to avoid the fire zone to allow emergency vehicle access. Local resident Renelle Lanteigne, who returned from Shediac to prepare her property, expressed concern for farms in the area. “People are starting to worry about evacuating their horses and cows,” she said.
Province Faces Multiple Fires
Elsewhere in New Brunswick, the Oldfield Road fire near Miramichi has forced the evacuation of three homes and a cottage, with 15 more on alert. That blaze spans about 340 hectares and remains beyond control, according to Natural Resources Minister John Herron. Access to all Crown land has been banned due to extreme fire conditions, marking the driest period in the province since records began in 1986.
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