An “out of control” wildfire is continuing to burn in the Miramichi area of New Brunswick, officials say.
The fire was first reported to the province’s department of natural resources at 3 p.m. Wednesday.
The wildfire is currently 22.5 hectares in size, New Brunswick’s wildland fire reporting system indicating Thursday morning; at least 17 firefighters are among the first responders trying to get the blaze under control.
As of 1:30 p.m. Tony Cole, operations supervisor with the province’s department of natural resources, says the fire is still classed as being out of control, but they don’t anticipate it getting bigger at this point.
“We’re very close to having it contained. We should be – this afternoon we should have it completely wrapped with fire hose and have water on the complete perimeter of the fire,” Cole said.
But he is also warning they’re not in the clear just yet.
“If the wind were to pick up then there is some chance that the fire could try to spread again, but I’m fairly confident that it’ll stay in its current footprint so as long as the wind stays as forecast, we should be good,” Cole added.
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Images of the fire taken by Global News show trees burning close to where crews are working to fight the blaze.
The Miramichi Fire Department said in a Facebook post Wednesday a no-burn ban has been put in place, following a province-wide burn ban already declared by the province yesterday.
“Due to provincial wildfires and the elevated Forest Fire Index, all outdoor burning is strictly prohibited within the City of Miramichi until further notice,” the department said.
“Conditions are extremely dry, and even small sparks can lead to fast-moving wildfires that threaten homes, wildlife, and public safety. Help protect our community – do not burn.”
The department of natural resources is warning New Brunswickers to take precautions over the coming days due to the increased risk of wildfires.
“We are in a drying trend right now and are asking New Brunswickers to be cautious about their activities in the woods over the next few days, especially on Saturday, when winds are expected to increase. This is for their own safety, as well as the safety of their communities and our firefighters,” natural resources minister John Herron said in a statement.
Wildfire science officer Danny Goddard said New Brunswick’s fire index is climbing but is still far different from Nova Scotia’s.
“Based on current conditions, such as humidity in the air and wind – or, in our case, lack of wind – we are in better shape than the rest of Canada,” said Goddard in a release. “While humidity is lower than normal, the lack of wind is a good thing.”
If the wind picks up and humidity does not rise, the department warns it could put the province in a more dangerous position.
–with files from Global News’ Anna Mandin and Alana MacLeod
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