Those living in and visiting New Brunswick are being told to stay off Crown lands due to an “extreme wildfire hazard.”
On Saturday, the province announced as of 12:01 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, all Crown lands will be closed. This means:
- hiking, camping, fishing and the use of vehicles in the woods are not permitted
- trail systems through woods are off limits
- camping is allowed only in campgrounds, but the public is being asked to reconsider their camping plans until such time the forest fire risk decreases
“This is an unprecedented situation, and it is getting worse. So, we’re here on a Saturday afternoon to ask all New Brunswickers to get out of the woods and to stay out of the woods,” said Premier Susan Holt.
She recognized this may be frustrating for people who may “want to go for a walk in the forest with their dog.”
“If those woods become a forest fire, then you are now at risk and your dog is now at risk, and that puts extra burden on our firefighters, so we’re asking you to choose to keep our firefighters safe and to keep our province safe.”
This follows a provincewide burn ban which has been in effect for several days.
Fines for breaking the rules
The province did not announce an increase in fines for those deemed breaking the rules.
“We’re asking you to think about your actions and choose to keep each other safe. It’s crucial. Your support and New Brunswicker’s action in this is crucial to keeping our wildfire teams focused on the fires that exist today and not adding to the problem,” said Holt. “We need to allow our teams to do what they’re doing now and not strain our resources further.”
The current fine under the Crown Lands and Forests Act is $140 plus a surcharge for a total of $172.50. There is also a provision if someone is found responsible for causing a fire. They would be responsible for the cost of putting the fire out for a maximum fine of $250,000.
“Right now, we are really hoping at the end of all this, we will have issued zero fines,” said Holt.She said the issue of fines could be revisited if New Brunswickers do not follow the rules.
Officials are also asking people to take the same precautions on private land.
“This is a serious situation,” said Natural Resources Minister John Herron.
“Going back to data as far back as to 1986, we have not had a drying situation as severe as we have today.”
As of noon Saturday, the province said there were seven active wildfires, six of which are considered under control. The out of control wildfire at this time is the one in the Miramichi area, which is now 240 hectares in size – up from 160 Saturday morning.
“This is an extraordinary situation that requires extraordinary measures,” said Herron.
To date, the province said there have been 222 fires. Last year, there were 215.
Preparing for evacuations
At this time, there have been no evacuations ordered due to wildfires, but the province is urging New Brunswickers to be ready.
“Every household needs an evacuation plan and an emergency preparedness kit,” said Justice Minister Rob McKee. “Being prepared can keep you and your family safe.”
He noted it takes less than 30 minutes to make a plan.
“New Brunswickers should have transportation, a pre-packed backpack or bag containing essential supplies to help them to evacuate from their community if needed.”
He said officials are going door-to-door in some areas to check on people and make sure they are prepared to leave if necessary. He also noted the province is ready to send emergency alerts if the time comes.
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