Province allows work to resume in woods but keeps burn ban in place
Most restrictions that were placed on Crown lands due to the high risk of wildfires were removed at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26. A burn ban, however, will remain in place.
“I want to thank all those who are on the front lines, keeping New Brunswickers safe and protecting their homes, communities and forests,’’ said Premier Susan Holt. “A special thanks to the exceptional team at the provincial fire centre – and at command centres around the province – who are working long hours supporting the firefighters on the ground and the pilots in the air.”
Holt also extended her gratitude to New Brunswickers for doing their part to protect firefighters and the province’s forests by respecting the ban.
Natural Resources Minister John Herron said people still need to be mindful that conditions remain dry and several fires are burning in the province.
“We’re asking all New Brunswickers to be safe and cautious when returning to the woods and to stay away from areas where firefighters are still actively fighting wildfires,” said Herron. “We rely on our forests as an economic driver in our province, as well as for our enjoyment and recreation. Lifting most of these restrictions will allow all of us to get back to our routines, however, if there are new fires, we may have to reconsider.”
Restrictions will remain for timber harvesting, which will only be allowed between the hours of 6 p.m. and noon to avoid the hottest and driest portion of the day. This will be reassessed on a daily basis.
In addition, restrictions on peat harvesting, which have been permitted since Aug. 13 with the goal of reducing peat piles, will remain until further notice to ensure that current piles continue to be reduced.
Municipalities may use their own discretion on whether to reopen their parks and trails.
Restrictions were placed on some forestry operations on Aug. 8; however, all Crown land in the province was closed to industrial and recreational activities on Aug. 10 due to an extreme wildfire hazard. Private landowners and municipalities were encouraged to take the same precautions.
Since the beginning of this wildfire season, more than 2,200 hectares have burned. This exceeds the 186.5 hectares burned last year and the 10-year average of 395.5 hectares.
There have been 293 fires this year compared to 224 last year. The 10-year average is 215.
Regional offices of the Department of Natural Resources will reopen to the public on Tuesday, except for the one in Miramichi.
People can mitigate the wildfire situation by obeying the burn ban, reporting wildfires, not smoking in the woods and using all-terrain vehicles responsibly.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to check the daily burn notice to see the current status in their area.
People with questions about Crown land activities may call 1-833-301-0334.
