A wildfire has broken out just north of Irishtown Nature Park near Moncton, covering about 30 hectares, according to New Brunswick’s fire data dashboard. CBC
The New Brunswick government has closed all Crown land to the public because of an extreme wildfire risk. The closure began at 12:01 a.m. Sunday. Officials say the combination of very dry conditions and high fire danger makes it unsafe for any industrial or recreational activity.
Premier Susan Holt warned that the situation is worsening. “We are here to ask all New Brunswickers to get out of the woods and to stay out of the woods,” she told reporters in Fredericton on Saturday.
Urgent Call for Safety
The government is urging private landowners to follow the same restrictions. Anyone camping on Crown land Saturday night had to leave by midnight. People are also asked to avoid private wood lots and wood roads.
Activities now banned on Crown land include:
- Hiking, camping, and fishing in wooded areas
- Using vehicles on forest trails or roads
- Accessing any trail systems through the woods
Camping is still allowed in campgrounds, but the public is encouraged to delay trips until the fire risk goes down.
“I Know It Sucks” — Premier Holt
Premier Holt admitted some people may not be happy with the new rules. “I know it sucks, but thank you for understanding,” she said. She stressed that the move is about keeping people safe and protecting forests from devastating fires.
Road Closures and Fire Updates
Some roads are also shut down because of wildfire activity. A section of Highway 8 near Miramichi is closed between Route 450 and McHardy Road. Russelville Road and McHardy Road are also blocked, with traffic diverted toward Neguac.
As of August 9, there are 12 active wildfires in the province. A provincewide burn ban remains in place, covering all areas, including provincial parks.
Fire Risk Spreads Across the East Coast
The danger isn’t limited to New Brunswick. Prince Edward Island has issued a provincewide burn ban. Nova Scotia has put a full ban on activities in wooded areas.
Newfoundland is also battling three serious fires. Two are on the Avalon Peninsula — one in the Conception Bay North area and another near Holyrood. A third fire in central Newfoundland, south of Bishop’s Falls, started Tuesday afternoon. Hundreds of people have been forced to leave their homes.
A Clear Message
Officials say the closures and bans are temporary but essential. With extreme heat and dry weather, even small sparks could trigger dangerous fires. Authorities are asking everyone to stay alert, respect the rules, and help protect communities and forests until conditions improve.
