'It is critical that New Brunswickers remain vigilant': Wildfire still out of control in Charlotte County, N.B.
Crews in New Brunswick continued to battle a wildfire in the Stein Lake area of Charlotte County Tuesday.
“The fire continues to be considered out of control, although firefighters and water bombers were able to do a lot of work yesterday to contain the blaze,” said Public Safety Minister Kris Austin. “A fire like this could have just as easily started in someone’s backyard or out on a trail. Please continue to be aware of the danger that any activity such as leaving a barbecue unattended, disposing of used charcoal, or setting off fireworks could cause.”
The province is asking anyone who has been required to evacuate their home to register with the Red Cross at the W.C. O’Neill Arena in Saint Andrews to ensure help can be offered to them. The arena will also continue to be open as a comfort centre for those needing food and accommodation.
At this time, the province says more than 50 firefighters are working on the Stein Lake fire, with more equipment being sent.
“Yesterday, waterbombers were able to build fire retardant lines to protect structures and suppress flare ups,” reads a news release from the province.
“Today’s efforts are focused on groundwork, with water bombers on standby in case of any flare ups. Structure protection crews remain available.”
According to the news release, weather forecasts for the area show continuing dry conditions and potential shifts in wind later Tuesday and into Thursday, creating the potential for additional fires.
The provincial fire prevention officer, Roger Collet, says it important for New Brunswickers to do their part to prevent further forest fires.
“Wildfires can threaten homes and destroy wildlife habitat,” said Collet. “The entire province remains under a burn ban. Conditions are extremely dry and any burning activity could be disastrous. It is critical that New Brunswickers remain vigilant.”
Residents are being asked to monitor the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Developments Forest Fire Watch page. Road closures are also available online at 511 New Brunswick.
Public Health officials also recommend that residents follow these guidelines if they can taste or smell smoke in the air:
- Be aware of your symptoms.
- Reduce levels of physical activity as necessary.
- Continue sheltering indoors with windows closed.
- Turn air exchangers off to avoid bringing outside air into the home.
Anyone experiencing difficulty breathing or chest discomfort should consult their physician or contact Tele-Care 811. People in severe distress should always call 911 immediately.
For more New Brunswick news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.