The portrait of forest fires that rage in New Brunswick is far from improving.
According to the update carried out by the government at the end of the morning on Tuesday, two braziers remain out of control, that is to be those located near Miramichi and Moncton (Irishtown).
If Irishtown’s fire is the one that is closest to residences, it is Miramichi that burns the fastest. Its area now reaches 1120 hectares (against around 800 Monday).
This last fire weighs very heavy in the annual assessment. Since the beginning of the year, 1294 hectares of forest have been burned in the province, against 185 at such a date last year. This is an increase of 700%.
Over the past ten years, the average hectares burned to date is 378.
Irishtown’s fire size increased from 30 hectares on Monday to 45 hectares on Tuesday.
Residents of the Irishtown, Tankville, Evangéline and Lakeville sectors must continue to be ready to evacuate in short notice.
Irishtown and Miramichi fires-which has been burning for seven days now-are the two biggest headaches that firefighters have to face on Tuesday.
All other forest fires in the province – including the one who started near Bathurst on Monday – are now considered content, extinct or patrolled.
According to the provincial government, 186 firefighters are on the ground on Tuesday. They are notably supported by 14 tankers and three helicopters.
Ten firefighters from Prince Edward Island (5) and Maine (5) have lent their colleagues in N.-B. since Tuesday. Twenty others are expected on Wednesday from Nova Scotia.
For the moment, the government does not deplore the destruction of any structure by fires.
The heat wave and the dry time that strike the province at the moment are obviously conducive to forest fires. The winds are variable, according to the government, but can potentially contribute to the rapid expansion of the flames.
No significant amount of rain is expected in the next 48 hours.
The Government recalls that all industrial and recreational activities are prohibited on crown lands until the other opinion.
A burning ban is also in force throughout the province.