New Brunswick’s wildfire activity remains below average this season due to heavy spring rainfall, but officials say that conditions could change quickly.
Wildfire prevention officer Roger Collet said the province has recorded 139 wildfires so far this season, with a total of 100 hectares burned.
It remains well below the 10-year average of 159 fires and 332 hectares burned at this point in the season.
Last year, New Brunswick experienced 180 wildfires, which burned a total of 171 hectares.
While recent rainfall has helped keep fires small, Collet cautioned that dry conditions could quickly increase fire risk.
“We never really got into any danger last year, but we did have some dry periods,” he said.
“It’s easy for me to talk about it now because it was last year. But moving forward this year, it’s really hard to say what will happen.”
Some New Brunswick crews are currently assisting western provinces dealing with large wildfires.
Collet said deployments to other regions provide local firefighters with valuable hands-on experience.
“It’s a good way to gain experience for our people, and it also gives them a different view of how fires are,” he said.
“The last couple of years here in New Brunswick, we really haven’t seen very many large fires.”
He’s reminding residents to remain vigilant, advising them to check daily burn restrictions, report any signs of fire to 911, and follow FireSmart guidelines to reduce fire risk.
Recommended precautions include clearing dead leaves, moving flammable mulch away from homes, and trimming back dense vegetation.
Collet stressed that while wildfire activity is currently below normal, residents should stay prepared for any shifts in weather that could heighten fire danger.
