New Brunswickers are being told to stay out of the woods.
Effective at midnight, trails on Crown lands will close to things like ATV use, hiking, camping (outside of campgrounds) and fishing.
Premier Susan Holt says it’s because of unprecedented dry conditions, as a wildfire north of Miramichi continues to burn out of control.
She says New Brunswickers care for each other, and action is needed to protect people and forests.
Nova Scotia put in similar restrictions this week due to dry conditions.
The province is encouraging private land owners to be cautious as well.
Miramichi fire continues to grow
The Oldfield Road fire is up to 240 hectares as of Saturday afternoon and is growing rapidly.
Natural Resources minister John Herron says given the conditions, it doesn’t matter what resources are thrown at the fire.
The province says given the dry conditions, people should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.
According to the Department of Natural Resources, fire protection has been placed around several camps and a communications tower as a precaution.
Two separate fires ignited near St. Paul and Harvey, but they’re now under control.
A section of Highway 8 near Miramichi is closed between Route 450 and Oldfield Road.
Russellville Road and McHardy Road are also closed, with traffic being diverted toward Neguac.
There’s also an air quality statement in effect for the Miramichi area.
Most of New Brunswick is now under a heat warning, with humidex values reaching the late 30s to early 40s Sunday to Wednesday.
