Forest Fire Rages North of Edmundston, New Brunswick

With no measurable rain for the first half of July, and temperatures soaring to record highs, the fire danger has been steadily rising.  The New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources today has placed the entire province under a no-burn order.

Fire crews have battled several wildfires this week, the largest one north of Edmundston has charred over 80 hectares (nearly 200 acres). The fire was reported late Monday near the western boundary of the Restigouche.  About 30 firefighters and several air tankers have been battling intense heat in an attempt to cut off the wildfire and bring it under control.

At least a dozen smaller fires have broken out this week around New Brunswick. Most have been quickly brought under control. According to the DNR,  there have been 333 wildfires reported so far this year, burning about 860 hectares (over 2100 acres).