A marsh fire near Moncton burned several acres of grass and kept firefighters busy for several hours on Christmas Eve.
Acting platoon chief Tim Rossiter says crews were called just after 5 p.m. after multiple people reported seeing flames.
“Down on the marsh, there was probably a couple acres burning on the marsh grass,” Rossiter said. The fire was located between the river and a walking trail near the old dump area.
Despite cold temperatures and snowfall, Rossiter said conditions were still right for a grass fire. “The marsh grass is dead, and it’s long, and it’s dry right now,” he said. “Once it got burning in it, it just kept burning.”
Fire crews respond to a marsh fire near the old dump area outside Moncton on Christmas Eve. Photo: John Maisey
Two firefighting crews responded with two engines and two tankers.
Crews remained on scene for roughly three hours as they worked to fully knock down the fire.
Rossiter said the location made the response challenging, with no nearby hydrants. “We probably had about three-quarters of a kilometre of hose out there,” he said, noting crews had to drag hose lines through the marsh while tankers supplied water.
No injuries were reported and no structures were damaged.
The cause of the fire remains unknown and there is no investigation underway.
Rossiter said it’s unusual to see a grass fire at this time of year and added it’s a reminder that dry grass can still burn, even during winter conditions.
