Some industry is being allowed to return to Crown lands following a little more than a week of disruption due to tinder dry conditions and ongoing wildfires.
“While our top priority continues to be safety, we recognize the need to support the return of operations by industry on Crown lands,” Natural Resources Minister John Herron said in a statement. “Starting today, specific industry activities – with appropriate conditions to mitigate fire and safety risks – will be permitted to operate. This will ensure certain industries will not face a full shut down.
On Monday, Herron explained some mill operators were on the brink of running out of wood.
Each business is required to have a permit, according to Herron, and has to follow the rules regarding work location, operating conditions, hours of operation, fire equipment and fire-watch activity.
Tree harvesting will only be allowed between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m., and no activity is allowed in an active fire zone.
As of this afternoon, there are 31 fires in New Brunswick, four are considered out-of-control. Herron said while some industry activity will resume, other restrictions remain in place on Crown land.
“This includes all recreational activities, including campfires and the use of all-terrain vehicles,” Herron said. “We appreciate the patience of New Brunswickers during this critical time.”
Forestry businesses are asked to contact the Department of Natural Resources (1-833-301-0334) should they have questions.
New Brunswickers are encouraged to monitor the department’s Fire Watch page, and there is also a phone line to address forest fire-related questions: 1-833-301-0334.
