New Brunswick Wildfires Prompt Evacuation Preparations North of Moncton

Risk Escalates as Uncontrolled Blaze Spreads Near Irishtown Nature Park

Residents north of Moncton are being advised to prepare for potential evacuations as a new wildfire rages near Irishtown Nature Park. Firefighters from Moncton, Dieppe, and Riverview are actively battling the blaze, which has grown to 30 hectares and is classified as “out of control.”

Maple Hills Urges Preparedness

The rural community of Maple Hills, encompassing Irishtown, issued an urgent message on Facebook, urging residents in specific areas to “take immediate steps to prepare for a possible evacuation.” While no evacuation order is currently in effect, authorities are strongly advising people to have personal belongings and pets ready.

The most vulnerable zones are demarcated between Cape Breton Road to the north, Weisner Road to the east, Elmwood Drive to the west, and Roma Way to the south, according to a map released by the community. The Moncton Firefighters Association has requested the public to avoid the area to ensure safe access for emergency crews and water shuttle operations, noting heavy smoke is visible.

Miramichi Fire Forces Evacuations, Threatens Homes

Further north, near Miramichi, a separate wildfire on Oldfield Road has led to mandatory evacuation orders for three homes and a cottage. An additional 15 residences are on alert due to the advancing flames, which have now consumed 340 hectares according to the provincial fire data dashboard. The fire, detected on Wednesday, has been declared “out of control” by **Nick Brown**, spokesperson for the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources.

“It did jump Highway 8 and burned about 20 hectares.”

—Nick Brown, Spokesperson for the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources

The section of Highway 8 between Route 450 and Oldfield Road remains closed. **Miramichi Mayor Adam Lordan** reported that as of 1 p.m., the fire was moving away from the city, stating, “Thankfully it’s not in an area close to any communities.” Firefighters are coordinating with the Red Cross, and the Lord Beaverbrook Arena is providing accommodation for them.

The severity of the fire conditions across the province is unprecedented. As **Natural Resources Minister John Herron** stated on Saturday, the fire was “beyond control,” adding, “under the current environment it doesn’t matter what we throw at it.” This extreme dryness, the most severe recorded since 1986, has prompted significant provincial action.

Provincial Restrictions and Fire Status

In response to the escalating fire risk, New Brunswick has banned all access to Crown land, impacting activities like fishing, camping, and hiking. Camping is now restricted to designated campgrounds, and private landowners are urged to adhere to similar restrictions. Of the 12 fires currently burning in the province, nine are being patrolled, indicating they are nearing extinguishment.

A fire near Canterbury in Carleton County, which initially spanned about five hectares with 40 firefighters on site, was brought under control on Sunday afternoon.