Fireworks Sparked Fire Despite Provincial Burn Ban

The Greater Moncton Canada Day fireworks show proceeded along the Petitcodiac River, despite a provincial burn ban in effect for Westmorland County. Local and provincial officials asserted that the burn ban, which prohibits campfires and brush fires, is separate from the fireworks display. Riverview Fire Chief Robin True confirmed that approximately 18 firefighters from Riverview and Moncton responded to a small brush fire, estimated at 0.1 to 0.2 hectares, which was "99.99 per cent likely" caused by the fireworks shortly after the display.

While Moncton, Dieppe, and Riverview jointly decided to proceed with the fireworks after assessing and deeming risks manageable with mitigation measures like onsite firefighters, other municipalities opted to cancel similar events. Sussex in Kings County, for instance, cancelled its display due to a red provincial burn ban status and a municipal bylaw prohibiting fireworks during such times.

The Department of Natural Resources clarified that provincial burn bans do not inherently cover fireworks, but the decision rests with municipalities. They expressed confidence in the Greater Moncton area's safety preparedness for the event. Meanwhile, a long-time birder expressed concerns, stating the fireworks occur during critical bird nesting season in the wetland environment where the display is held, potentially endangering young birds.