One wildfire evacuation advisory that was issued on Sunday is still in place for residents in the eastern part of New Brunswick, while another was lifted Monday morning.
The fire in the Pointe Sapin area is now contained, and an evacuation advisory issued over the weekend is no longer in effect for nearby residents, New Brunswick’s Emergency Measures Organization said at 9 a.m.
The fire affecting the area called Peatmoss Piles is one hectare. It’s contained, meaning it’s surrounded by barriers like bulldozer breaks or hose lines, which are expected to keep it from spreading if firefighting efforts continue. But the Peatmoss Piles fire is still burning and could potentially jump or spread.
The province’s sole active evacuation advisory was issued Sunday around 6 p.m. for people living on Highway 117 from Black River Bridge up to and including Little Branch.
The Black River Bridge fire is out of control and three hectares in size.
The notice says people should be prepared to evacuate on a 24-hour notice, with an emergency alert issued with instructions if residents need to leave.
An update on New Brunswick wildfires is scheduled for 2 p.m. today and will be livestreamed here. Premier Susan Holt and Natural Resources Minister John Herron will participate.
How should you prepare for an evacuation?
As of Monday morning, there are 18 active fires in the province with three burning out of control. There were 17 active fires Sunday morning.
The Beaver Lake Stream fire in Northumberland County is out of control at 338 hectares, after being listed as 238 hectares this morning
The Rocky Brook fire is out of control and has grown by 20 hectares, to 200 hectares.
Smoke is expected to drift into Moncton and southeast New Brunswick, and eastern portions of Kings and Saint John counties, with Environment Canada issuing a special air quality statement for those regions.
The smoke is from a wildfire near Long Lake in Annapolis County in Nova Scotia, according to Environment Canada.
“As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events,” the statement says.
People more likely to be affected include those 65 or older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition and people who work outdoors.
Monday will be cloudy across New Brunswick with chances of showers.
Highs range from 18 C along the coast to 26 C inland. Winds will become southerly and increase to 20 kilometres an hour and gust to 40 km/h.
