Article content
Firefighters in southwest New Brunswick are fighting a wildfire near Oromocto Lake that’s grown to 10 hectares in size and considered out of control.
Article content
According to the Department of Natural Resources’ wildfire dashboard, the fire – between McAdam and Harvey – was detected on Wednesday night around 9 p.m.
By 9 a.m. Thursday, it had grown from four hectares to six hectares (almost 15 acres) in size. By 4 p.m., the department confirmed it had grown to 10 hectares in size, but was 50 per cent contained, with the help of aircraft in the fight.
“Ground crews continue to work on the fire guard, and aircraft were deployed to assist. The light rain, cloud cover and increased humidity have resulted in reduced fire activity,” Government of New Brunswick spokesperson Alycia Bartlett said in an email.
There were sustained winds all day Thursday, with gusts of up to 40 km/h, though light to medium rain fell through the afternoon.
Access to Tweedside Road was limited Thursday, with RCPM blocking it off around Lane 24, about halfway up the lake’s west side, and from the south end off Route 3.
“Residents and motorists are asked to stay away from the southwest corner of Oromocto Lake near Lane 27 and Murray Extension Road until further notice. This is necessary for your safety, the safety of our firefighters, and to keep surrounding roads clear for emergency vehicles and equipment,” the Harvey Fire Department posted on social media as it helped to contain the flames.
Article content
New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization (NBEMO) said on social media there are Crown land lease camps in the area and campers are advised to monitor the situation, but there is no immediate danger.
“The risk to the public remains low and there is currently no requirement to evacuate,” the agency posted.
There have so far been 439.4 hectares burned in 310 wildfires in the province this season, compared with just 103.7 hectares in 158 fires last year, when a wet early summer meant a slow start to fire season, before it ramped up considerably in August. The 10-year average for this time of year is 342.1 hectares and 181 fires.
Firefighters in southwest New Brunswick are fighting a wildfire near Oromocto Lake that’s considered out of control. SCREENSHOT/GOVERNMENT OF NEW BRUNSWICK)
More to come …
— with files from Nathan Cox
Share this article in your social network