Holland says officials are expecting a "horrific" wildfire season, just the same as it was last year. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Hina Alam
New Brunswick authorities affirm the province's readiness for the upcoming fire season, boasting a complement of 143 trained firefighters, 24 student recruits, and the addition of two water bombers. Environment Minister Mike Holland, speaking at a news conference, outlined the government's preparedness efforts, noting that the province typically experiences an average of 246 fires annually, resulting in the burning of approximately 4.5 square kilometers of forest land over the past decade. However, Holland highlighted a concerning trend from the previous year, where although the number of fires was below average, they were significantly more destructive, engulfing 8.6 square kilometers of forest. He emphasized that most of the wildfires in 2023, totaling 202 out of 209, were caused by human activities, with the remaining seven attributed to lightning strikes.
Roger Collet, a wildfire prevention officer, detailed the province's firefighting resources, indicating the availability of 143 trained firefighters and 24 student recruits for the upcoming fire season. He noted that the province has increased its aerial firefighting capacity from six to eight aircraft equipped for water bombing operations. While expressing confidence in the current level of resources, Collet acknowledged that in the event of an exceptionally severe fire season, additional assistance may be required.
In neighboring Nova Scotia, the previous year witnessed an unprecedented surge in wildfires, particularly in the southwestern and Halifax areas. These fires forced over 16,000 people to evacuate their homes and resulted in the destruction of 151 houses along with numerous other structures.
Collet highlighted the concerning trend of increasingly frequent and intense wildfires in New Brunswick, emphasizing the need for urgent attention and action. He stressed that the devastation caused by wildfires in the previous year was unparalleled during the wildfire season.
The fire season in New Brunswick typically commences on the third Monday of April, starting in the southern regions of the province and gradually spreading northward as the summer progresses. Collet mentioned that although New Brunswick experienced ample precipitation during the winter months, it primarily took the form of rain rather than snow. This raises the possibility of grass fires occurring earlier than usual due to drier conditions.
Meanwhile, federal Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson warned of heightened wildfire risks across Canada due to above-average temperatures and limited precipitation, creating drought-like conditions in many regions. He attributed the increased risk of wildfires to the combined effects of climate change and population growth, particularly in areas with dense forests. Wilkinson noted that nearly four million Canadians reside in regions with prevalent combustible forests, underscoring the importance of proactive measures to mitigate wildfire risks.
In summary, New Brunswick authorities are taking proactive steps to prepare for the upcoming fire season, bolstering firefighting resources and emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance and preparedness in light of escalating wildfire risks across the country.
