The number of active wildfires burning across New Brunswick continues to drop, according to the Department of Natural Resources.
There were 19 active fires reported as of mid-morning Thursday, down from 24 active fires around the same time on Wednesday.
Five are listed as out of control, including three in northeastern New Brunswick that are being held at between 184 and 238 hectares in size.
The Beaver Lake Stream fire west of Red Bank remains at 238 hectares, the Chief’s fire northeast of Northesk is at 218 hectares and the Rocky Brook fire northwest of Bathurst is holding at 184 hectares.
Two fires are considered contained, including the 1,400-hectare Oldfield Road fire north of Miramichi, and 12 are being patrolled.
Officials said they will not consider lifting the provincial fire ban until we get “steady, soaking rain” across the affected areas.
