Government Efforts Reduce Wildfires in New Brunswick to Two

The government of New Brunswick has successfully reduced the number of active wildfires in the province from 39 to just two, according to the Minister of Natural Resources. As of Wednesday, only the Beaver Lake Stream fire and a small fire southwest of Bathurst remain uncontained, showcasing a coordinated response across various governmental agencies.

Minister Herron highlighted that the “whole machinery of government” mobilized to tackle the wildfires, which have posed significant risks to communities. The Beaver Lake Stream fire, located approximately 60 kilometres west of Renous, has stabilized at 456 hectares. Meanwhile, a new fire, identified as 323, was detected southwest of Bathurst, alongside another contained fire in the same area, marked as 321, measuring just 0.1 hectares.

Current Wildfire Status and Response Efforts

The Rocky Brook fire, situated about 50 kilometres south of Dalhousie, is reported as contained at 204 hectares. Its perimeter is currently under control, while the Old Field Road fire, north of Miramichi, has reached 1,403 hectares and remains under close surveillance for any potential hotspots. During a flight with wildfire operations supervisor Tony Cole, Herron assessed the aftermath of the wildfires, noting the effectiveness of fire breaks created by firefighters. He stated, “It’s extraordinarily impressive to see where there were a number of situations where structures that were at risk… were saved.”

These fire breaks, which are clearings designed to prevent the spread of fire, played a crucial role in preserving properties, including a communications tower that survived due to a protective wall built by crews. Herron expressed cautious optimism regarding the Beaver Lake Stream fire, acknowledging the potential for growth but emphasizing progress in managing it.

The Rocky Brook fire, located in a deep ravine, will likely require ongoing monitoring, potentially until snow arrives. Herron noted that water bombers from Forest Protection Ltd. and CL-415s have been effective in combating the flames due to their ability to navigate low into the gorge.

Community Support and Legislative Cooperation

Despite the challenges, the Minister commended the collective efforts of various firefighting organizations and the support from local communities. He acknowledged the cooperation from opposition members in the legislature, particularly Kris Austin of the Progressive Conservatives and Megan Mitton of the Green Party. “There really was a Team New Brunswick approach,” Herron stated, emphasizing the importance of communication with local MLAs during the crisis.

Austin expressed gratitude for the opportunity to observe the firefighting efforts from the air, stating, “It is clear the response and dedication from various firefighting organizations played a critical role in there being no damage to property and no lives lost.” He credited recent government investments as significant contributors to the rapid response to wildfires.

Mitton highlighted the proactive measures taken to ensure community safety, including plans for Rockport, which faced challenges due to a weight-restricted bridge limiting fire truck access. She praised the extensive efforts of all involved, noting the need for New Brunswick to remain vigilant against future fire risks due to ongoing dry conditions.

As the summer progresses, Herron warned that “small fire events” are expected to continue through October, primarily due to the extraordinarily dry forest floor. The Fundy coast area in southern New Brunswick remains particularly susceptible to fire risk, although it has not experienced significant activity thus far.

A burn ban remains in effect across the province, underscoring the need for caution among residents. Herron emphasized that the lessons learned from this wildfire season highlight the importance of being prepared and proactive in addressing fire risks in the future.