As Crown lands continue to remain off limits amid drought-like conditions, Eastern Charlotte has issued a water conservation order to its residents.
On Monday evening, the conservation effort order went into effect and will remain there until further notice in order to protect the local water supply in St. George and Blacks Harbour.
Residents are being asked to limit unnecessary water use including not washing cars, driveways or homes, not to use lawn sprinklers or fill up swimming pools.
“Residents in rural areas on private water/well systems are encouraged to also take steps in limiting water consumption to avoid their own well from going dry,” the statement said.
The area is also under level 1 enhanced monitoring given the drought conditions and risk of wildfire. All the trails in Eastern Charlotte are also closed. The NB Natural Trust has also closed all trails and nature preserve in Blacks Harbour.
In Saint Andrews, no water conservation order has been issued, but crews are monitoring the situation.
“However, we foresee putting out an advisory as well in the next seven to 10 days if there is not a significant rainfall,” said Chief Administrative Officer Chris Spear.
The Municipal District of St. Stephen (MDSS) has also closed its Elm Street Park and dog park as a result of the Crown land closures.
Jeff Renaud, the municipality’s chief administrative officer, said it is not currently considering any water restrictions.
“Our water supply levels remain stable, and there is no indication that conservation measures are required at this time,” he said. “We continue to monitor conditions closely and will advise the public promptly if the situation changes.”
MDSS did issue an alert this afternoon regard a small fire that was ignited on one of its walking trails.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our local firefighters for their swift response in containing it before it became more serious,” the statement said via the municipality’s Alertable app.
It is reminding people to be careful given the dry conditions.
“Please be mindful, even something as small as a discarded cigarette butt can spark a devstating fire,” the statement said. “Let’s all do our part to keep our community safe.”
According to Environment Canada, all of New Brunswick is currently in a precipitation deficit. However, the northeast corner along the Bay of Fundy has the greatest departure from average.
Wildfires continue to burn
Wildfires in Miramichi and Irishtown continue to burn as 10 firefighters from P.E.I., and Maine arrive.
Another 20 firefighters from Nova Scotia are expected to arrive tomorrow.
Seven new fires were reported yesterday, a total of 12 fires are currently active, with two considered out of control. Three are contained, including the one in Bathurst, and seven are being patrolled.
“A full complement of 14 air tankers is available. Two additional helicopters have been added for a total of three in service,” said Nick Brown, a spokesperson for the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development (DNRED).
The department said no structures have been reported as lost at this time.
Lag in information
DNRED said there was a short lag in the information posted to the FireWatch page. It is home to all the information New Brunswickers need related to wildland fires.
The fire situation changes quickly, Brown said in the statement.
“Please understand that the people who are inputting the information are the same people who are on the scene fighting the fire,” he said. “Because they’re very busy, and they have multiple responsibilities, the website is updated periodically throughout the day, when possible.”
Prepare an emergency kit
Residents in Maple Hills remain on an evacuation notice as the fire there hits 45 hectares.
The government is urging all New Brunswickers to prepare an evacuation kit.
It should include:
- Water
- Food
- Flashlight
- Radio
- Batteries
- First Aid
- Prescription medications
- Pet food
- Cash
“New Brunswickers should look out for friends and neighbours in event of an emergency by offering help now,” Brown said.
