The fire has grown to more than 1,400 hectares and remains out of control.
Right now in the province, there are 23 active wildfires, according to the situational update as of 3:45 p.m. Friday.
Five are being patrolled, three are under control, eight are contained, two are being monitored, and five are out of control.
Minister of Natural Resources John Herron said its intensity is being driven by extremely dry forest conditions.
“The fuel source is exceptionally dry,” Herron said. “It’s not just the forest floor — it’s limbs, branches, trees. That’s the biggest issue.”
Firefighters have built fire breaks to help steer the blaze, and cooler weekend temperatures are expected to improve working conditions.
Crews have made progress, but containment continues to be difficult, according to Herron.
However, the Irishtown fire remains stable at 45 hectares and is now classified as contained.
Herron said the situation there has improved significantly, and crews are now working toward declaring it under control.
Personnel previously assigned to Irishtown have been redeployed to assist with suppression efforts in Miramichi.
No evacuation advisories are currently in effect. The advisory for the Lumpstone Road fire near Hilltop has been lifted.
Emergency officials said alerts will be issued if homes or individuals are deemed at risk.
Seven firefighters have been treated for heat exhaustion. No structural damage has been reported.
Herron explained that 40 firefighters from Ontario are scheduled to arrive on Saturday.
Twenty personnel from Nova Scotia will return to their province to support wildfire efforts there.
Herron said resource-sharing continues across Atlantic Canada and nationally, with deployments based on severity.
Three CL-215 water bombers are currently in use, and two additional CF-415 aircraft are expected to arrive, bringing the total to four.
Herron said the larger aircraft will be key in efforts to contain the Oldfield fire.
“We want to get out in front of it,” he said. “Those four super scoopers are going to be critical infrastructure.”
A permitting process has been introduced to allow for the safe processing of stockpiled peat, which Herron said poses a significant fire risk due to its potential to spontaneously combust.
All other peat-related activities remain prohibited.
Limited variances have also been granted to allow overnight trucking of roadside wood and to permit wild blueberry growers to harvest on Crown land leases or access private fields via Crown roads.
These activities are subject to enhanced fire safety protocols.
Smoke is affecting air quality and visibility in parts of the province, particularly in Miramichi and Moncton. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities and monitor updates.
A dedicated wildfire information line has been launched at 1-833-301-0334. Updates are also available on the province’s FireWatch page.
Herron thanked residents for their cooperation and encouraged them to visit the FireSmart New Brunswick page for tips on reducing wildfire risk around homes.
“There are things we can all do to make our homes safer,” he said. “New Brunswickers have stepped up, and I’m heartened by the level of support we’re seeing.”
