One major New Brunswick wildfire is contained, while another near Miramichi remains out of control amid heat, drought, and resource strain.
Moncton-Area Blaze Now Under Control
The 115 Pit wildfire near Moncton, also called the Irishtown fire, was contained at 45 hectares Wednesday evening, prompting the province to lift an evacuation advisory. No structures have been reported lost.
Favourable conditions and targeted suppression allowed crews to hold the perimeter, ending a tense stretch for nearby residents. Officials caution, however, that dry conditions keep the risk elevated.
Miramichi Fire Expands Beyond Control
About 15 kilometres north of Miramichi, the Oldfield Road wildfire has grown to 1,358 hectares after a week of burning. Natural Resources Minister John Herron said the fire remains “beyond control” and will require substantial rainfall to slow.
“The best we can do is steer the trajectory of the fire,” Herron noted, adding that provincial teams remain on standby to intensify suppression once weather shifts.
Firefighters Facing Extreme Heat
Arduous conditions have sent three firefighters to hospital for heat exhaustion in recent days. Herron said all are recovering and praised the resilience of front-line crews.
The province reported 133 firefighters on the ground as of Wednesday, with 30 additional personnel arriving from other provinces following a request for 60.
Weather Intensifies Wildfire Threat
New Brunswick’s heatwave broke temperature records in 11 locations Tuesday, according to Environment Canada. Forecast thunderstorms bring a risk of lightning-sparked fires, while rainfall amounts will be crucial — five millimetres offers a day’s reprieve, Herron explained, but 50 millimetres could tip the balance.
Restrictions Remain, Some Work Resumes
Burning is prohibited province-wide, and Crown land is closed for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and camping outside of designated campgrounds.
Select industrial work, including limited forestry operations and blueberry harvesting, will resume under strict conditions, such as night operations and firefighting equipment on site.
Fires Elsewhere in the Province
A wildfire near Bathurst Mines, previously out of control, was declared contained Tuesday. In the Fredericton area, crews from Oromocto and neighbouring departments quickly extinguished a blaze near Honeywood Drive the same evening.
Six new fires started Tuesday. Helicopter support has increased to three aircraft. Officials urge residents to prepare 72-hour emergency kits with food, water, masks, medications, and supplies for pets.
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