The Musquash Fire Department wants you to exercise extreme caution in the woods following a weekend brush fire off the Old Saint John Road in Fundy Shores. Crews responded to the fire Sunday afternoon and spent hours controlling the flames.

According to CTV News Atlantic, the department received the call shortly after 4 p.m. About 30 firefighters arrived at the scene. They brought two engines, two utility vehicles, and a side by side off road vehicle. The Eastern Charlotte Fire Department and the Department of Natural Resources also joined the effort.

Dry Conditions Fuel the Flames

Musquash Fire Department Chief Wayne Pollock noted the fire was difficult to locate. It took crews about four hours to extinguish the flames. Officials declared the fire out by 8 p.m. Sunday.

“It’s dry, surprising how quick it’s drying up,” Pollock said. “It’s the underbrush, is what’s catching, and then it was going to the top of the trees there yesterday too.”

Investigators are still determining the exact cause of the fire. Pollock suspects a discarded cigarette or an unextinguished campfire started the fire.

New Brunswick Faces an Early Wildfire Season

New Brunswick launched its wildfire season early this year. Record low precipitation levels, a lack of winter snow, and prolonged drought conditions created a dry environment in the woods. To combat this, the provincial government allocated $6.7 million to strengthen wildfire preparedness and response efforts.

How You Can Prevent Brush Fires

Pollock expects another dry summer across the province. He urges you to stay mindful when spending time outdoors or building a campfire.

“It’s very important that they check before they burn or have a campfire that burning is allowed,” Pollock said. “If you can have some water available with a bucket or a pump can or whatever, if you’re going to have a fire, try to be prepared.”

You can check the provincial Fire Watch page or the wildfire dashboard for the latest information on burn notices and fire conditions. Officials update the dashboard at 2 p.m. each day throughout the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the recent brush fire occur?

The fire took place off the Old Saint John Road in Fundy Shores, New Brunswick.

What caused the Fundy Shores brush fire?

The exact cause remains under investigation. Fire officials suspect a discarded cigarette or a small campfire started the fire.

Why did New Brunswick start its wildfire season early?

The province experienced record low precipitation, a lack of snow, and prolonged drought conditions. These factors significantly increased the risk of wildfires.

How can I check if burning is allowed in my area?

You can visit the New Brunswick Fire Watch page or the provincial wildfire dashboard. Officials update the burning conditions daily at 2 p.m.