Home / Disasters and Accidents / New Brunswick Wildfire Situation Improving, Minister Says
New Brunswick Wildfire Situation Improving, Minister Says
21 Aug
Summary
- Province has more firefighters and water bombers
- Largest fire since 1986 contained after 10 days
- Some businesses granted permission to operate under safety conditions
As of August 22nd, 2025, the wildfire situation in New Brunswick is showing signs of improvement, according to the province's Natural Resources Minister John Herron. While several fires are still burning, Herron stated that the province is "almost out of the woods."
The province has gained access to more firefighters and water bombers, making the situation less dire compared to last week. The Oldfield Road fire, which burned 1,403 hectares over 10 days, is the largest New Brunswick has seen since 1986. Another fire in Irishtown, which burned through 45 hectares, was also brought under control, despite the risk posed by the nearby 900 structures and 1,500 people.
Herron acknowledged that the province will continue to have conversations about the fires for the next month, but the situation is heading in a "very, very good direction." As of Thursday evening, there were 19 active fires in New Brunswick, with four out of control in the northern half of the province.
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To help get New Brunswickers back to work, the province has granted permission for some forestry operators, quarries, and blueberry harvesters to operate under certain safety conditions. Herron also noted that the situation is trending in the right direction for people to be allowed in the woods again recreationally, though some restrictions on industry may continue even after the restrictions for individuals are lifted.
