Fire Preparedness

Municipality of Alnwick — UPDATE #1 - IMPORTANT GNB UPDATE: Oldfield Road Fire Wildfire Update – August 17, 10:00 A.M.

Oldfield Road Fire Details:

Size: 1,402.0 hectars
Status: Out of Control

Smoke Presence:

• The presence of smoke in the air is being reported across the province. If you smell smoke pay attention. If you see visible smoke or fire, call 9-1-1 and report it.

• Do not call emergency responders for information or updates. 

New Brunswick Fire Report:

• 37 active fires:
  • 11 being patrolled
  • 1 under control
  • 9 contained
  • 10 being monitored

• 6 out of control:
  208 -Oldfield Road (Miramichi)
  250 - Chief’s
  273 – Lovalls Lake Fire
  256 Beaver Lake Stream
  265 – Bear Landing
  269 – Moose Lake 2
  

Structures:

• No losses reported.

Air Space Advisory:

• The airspace around and over a wildfire is closed to all aircraft, including drones, except those directly involved in fighting fires. If a drone is spotted in the area, emergency response teams need to ground their operations, which puts lives at risk.
  

Additional Information:

• Situation may change and numbers may evolve throughout the day.

• No livestreams are planned this weekend, but updates will continue on social media.

• If you are experiencing difficulty breathing or chest discomfort, call your physician or contact Tele-Care 8-1-1.
  

Evacuation Preparedness:

REVIEW Fire Evacuation Details HERE

Households should still be ready with a 72-hour emergency kit:

• Water, non-perishable food, pet food

• Flashlight, radio, extra batteries

• First aid kit, prescription medications

• Masks (for smoke), cash

Burn Ban & Forestry Restrictions:

• Burn ban remains in place for the entire province.

• No recreational activities permitted on Crown lands.

• Forestry operations (harvesting, forwarding, skidding, etc.) suspended indefinitely.

• Some operations may resume at night where fire risk can be mitigated.

• Blueberry harvesting on Crown land allowed only under strict safety conditions.

Water Conservation:
Water levels are below normal with no significant rainfall expected. View website here.
Residents are urged to:

• Avoid washing vehicles, watering lawns, filling pools.

• Run dishwashers/washing machines only with full loads.

• Take shorter showers.

• Install low-flow fixtures.

• Fix any plumbing leaks.

Air Quality:
Smoke from wildfires may impact the region. View website Here.
High-risk groups (children, older adults, pregnant women, smokers, and those with heart/lung conditions) should limit outdoor activity.

• If smoke is heavy:

  • Stay indoors, use air filtration if possible.

  • Watch for symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort.

  • In distress, call 911; for non-emergency health advice, call Tele-Care 811.

Stay Informed:

• Province will share two daily updates with media and hold regular news conferences.

• For real-time updates, visit the NB FireWatch page.