New Brunswick is facing extremely dry conditions and forest fire officials are urging the public to use caution in rural and wooded areas.
It comes amid a fire ban in 13 of 15 counties in New Brunswick as of 2 p.m. Tuesday.
Tony Cole, the provincial wildfire operations supervisor with the Department of Natural Resources, said much of the department is on high alert.
“Charlotte County is one of the drier parts of the province,” he said in an interview with The Courier. “It seems the two opposite corners [of the province] are choosing to be very dry at the same time.”
Cole said the drier conditions mean more fuel is available for a wildfire, which could lead to greater spread and intensity.
“Even the surface of the ground itself and all of that fuel is currently available should we have a start undetected for a little while [and] get the momentum,” he said. “We would have our hands full.”
He added that if the fire were to start in the duff – a layer of decomposed organic matter that accumulates on the forest floor – it can burn for an extended period of time before reaching back up to the surface.
Low winds, high humidity helping
Cole explains that the hot and dry conditions are one thing, but there are a few things working in the province’s favour, including low wind speed and high humidity.
Higher humidity levels mean more moisture in the air, which can limit ignition and spread.
“If the humidity were to drop, that would be concerning,” he said. “If we had a day with strong wings, that would also be concerning for us.
“A lot of pieces are starting to line up, but they are not aligned just yet.”
Saint Andrews Fire Chief Kevin Theriault said his crews are responding to fires that are burning down through the roots, which makes finding the source and extinguishing it much harder.
“We could use about three days of rain,” Theriault told The Courier.
Theriault said it is important not to start outdoor fires, including campfires or pit fires. When discarding cigarettes, make sure they are fully extinguished before and don’t throw them on the ground.
He said to use extreme caution in wooded areas. Theriault also recommends homeowners check out the FireSmart website on how to prepare their properties, like removing trees and creating a buffer between the woods and the home.
Restrictions on activities in the woods possible
Nova Scotia is also facing extremely dry conditions — that province has banned all activities in wooded areas until further notice.
“Effective 4 p.m. today, we’re telling Nova Scotians to stay out of the woods,” Premier Tim Houston said during a public briefing on Tuesday.
“We are restricting travel and activities that really aren’t necessary for most of us. Hiking, camping, fishing and the use of vehicles in the woods are not permitted.”
Violations of the ban carry a $25,000 fine.
Cole said the department is keeping a watchful eye on things, adding it is considering similar action as the forecast continues to predict no rain until the weekend.
With files from the Local Journalism Initiative/The Courier
