Two evacuation advisories are in effect in eastern New Brunswick as wildfire conditions remain active across the province.
The Department of Natural Resources reported 23 active wildfires as of 6 p.m. Sunday.
Fifteen are being patrolled, five are contained, and three remain out of control, including a fire near Black River Bridge that has led to a new evacuation advisory.
Residents along Highway 117, from Black River Bridge to Little Branch, are being asked to prepare to evacuate on 24 hours’ notice.
Authorities say the Black River Bridge wildfire is considered a potential threat to homes and property.
Officials say an evacuation alert will be issued if conditions worsen, with instructions delivered through the Alert Ready system.
A separate advisory remains in place for residents within two kilometres of 200 Daigle Road near Pointe-Sapin, where a wildfire in the Peatmoss Piles area has been contained.
While the fire is no longer spreading, the advisory remains active as a precaution, and residents are urged to review their emergency plans.
The other two fires listed as out of control are the Beaver Lake Stream fire, located west of Red Bank and estimated at 238 hectares.
The Rocky Brook fire northwest of Bathurst is approximately 184 hectares in size.
A wildfire near Crandall University in Moncton, previously listed as out of control Sunday morning, is now being patrolled. Officials say fire activity is minimal, with only occasional smoke visible.
Most of the cleanup is complete, and only minimal staffing is required at the site.
The Oldfield Road fire north of Miramichi remains contained at 1,400 hectares.
A province-wide fire ban remains in effect, and all recreational activities on Crown land continue to be prohibited.
Special air quality statement continues
Meanwhile, Environment Canada has extended a special air quality statement for Moncton and parts of southeastern New Brunswick, including Fundy National Park.
Smoke from a wildfire near Long Lake in Annapolis County, Nova Scotia, is affecting air quality in the region and areas downwind.
The agency says local smoke concentrations may shift with changes in wind speed or direction, with southwest winds expected to reach 30 kilometres per hour and gusts up to 50 before easing later Sunday evening.
Residents are advised to limit time outdoors, especially those more vulnerable to smoke exposure, including children, older adults and people with chronic health conditions.
Officials recommend keeping windows and doors closed and using clean air filters indoors where possible.
Emergency officials continue to urge residents in affected areas to stay informed, prepare emergency kits and monitor official updates.
