New Brunswick is facing extremely dry conditions and forest fire officials are urging the public to use caution in rural and wooded areas.
It comes amid a fire ban in 13 of 15 counties in New Brunswick as of 2 p.m. on Tuesday.
Saint Andrews Fire Chief Kevin Theriault said conditions in Charlotte County are extremely dry. He said responding to fires that are burning down through the roots make finding the source an extinguishing it much harder.
“We could use about three days of rain,” he said.
Theriault said it is important not to start outdoor fires, including camp fires or pit fires. When discarding cigarettes, make sure they are fully extinguished before and don’t throw them on the ground.
He said to use extreme caution in wooded areas. Theriault also recommends homeowners check out the FireSmart website on how to prepare their properties – like removing trees and creating a buffer between the woods and the home.
Provincial staff on ‘high alert’
Tony Cole, the provincial wildfire operations supervisor, said much of the department is on high alert.
“Charlotte County is one of the drier parts of the province,” he said in an interview with The Courier. “It seems the two opposite corners [of the province] are choosing to be very dry at the same time.”
Cole said the drier the conditions means more fuel is available for a wildfire – which could lead to greater spread and intensity.
“Even the surface of the ground itself and all of that fuel is currently available should we have a start undetected for a little while [and] get the momentum,” he said. “We would have our hands full.”
He added that if the fire were to start in the duff – a layer of decomposed organic matter that accumulates on the forest floor – it can burn for an extended period of time before reaching back up to the surface.
Cole explains the hot and dry conditions are one thing but there are few things working in the province’s favour – including low wind speed and high humidity.
Higher humidity levels mean more moisture in the air, which can limit ignition and spread.
“If the humidity were to drop, that would be concerning,” he said. “If we had a day with strong wings, that would also be concerning for us.
“A lot of pieces are starting to line up, but they are not aligned just yet.”
It also comes as Nova Scotia has banned all activities in wooded areas.
“Effective 4 p.m. today, we’re telling Nova Scotians to stay out of the woods,” Premier Tim Houston said during a public briefing. “We are restricting travel and activities that really aren’t necessary for most of us. Hiking, camping, fishing and the use of vehicles in the woods are not permitted.”
Violations of the ban carry a $25,000 fine.
Two years ago, it experienced a devastating wildfire that destroyed dozens of homes and caused millions of dollars in damage in a suburb outside Halifax.
One person was charged and pled guilty to leaving a fire unattended when it was not completely extinguished.
Cole said the department is keeping a watchful eye on things, adding it is considering similar action as the forecast continues to predict no rain until the weekend.
Fire in Musquash
The Musquash Fire Department was dispatched to a gravel pit around 4 a.m. on Tuesday. Upon arrival, crews discovered a large pile of stored blasting mats was fully engulfed by fire. The department estimated the pile was roughly 9 metres high and about 15 metres wide.
“The fire had spread to the surrounding woods, but was quickly extinguished by the responding firefighters,” it said in a statement on social media. “There was minimal loss to the surrounding wooded area.”
The Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development (DNRED) was alerted to the fire and also responded.
“The fire is currently under control but it is estimated that it will be a few more hours before the fire is completely extinguished and clean up procedures completed,” the statement said.
An excavator has been brought in by Coastal Transport, according to the fire department, to break down the pile of mats while firefighters work to extinguish fire within the pile.
The Musquash Fire Department responded with a dozen firefighters, two engines, a side-by-side, two rescue support vehicles, and forestry trailers with equipment to battle the fire.
It said the cause of the fire is unknown.
“Musquash Fire would like to remind the public to be aware of the extremely dry conditions currently in our communities and to be extra careful with all ignition sources,” it said.
The Saint John Fire Department also said it continues to respond to outdoor fires despite the ban in place.
Cole said individuals must be vigilant, watching for signs of smoke or fire, especially in rural and wooded areas.
“We have all our staff on high alert, we have our aircraft on high alert,” he said. “The sooner we can respond to something small, the sooner we can get it under control.”
