Canada hit by worst wildfire season in 40 years, Moncton among affected areas

Canada is facing one of its most severe wildfire seasons, with a rapidly spreading fire north of Moncton prompting officials to urge residents in the rural community of Maple Hills to prepare for a potential evacuation, although no order has yet been issued.

The blaze, burning near Irishtown Nature Park, has grown to 30 hectares as of Sunday evening(August 10), according to New Brunswick’s wildfire data dashboard. The Municipality of Maple Hills is asking residents between Cape Breton Road, Weisner Road, Elmwood Drive, and Roma Way to have belongings and pets ready in case evacuation becomes necessary.

Maple Hills Mayor Erica Warren praised the swift response of first responders and said trenches are being dug as firebreaks to contain the flames. “Things could be a whole lot worse had they not responded as quickly and effectively as they did,” she said.


Residents are closely watching the situation. Moncton Firefighters Association urged the public to avoid the affected area to allow emergency crews safe access for fire and water shuttle operations.

Meanwhile, the City of Moncton has issued a boil-water advisory for parts of Elmwood Drive and nearby areas due to elevated turbidity in water caused by fire-fighting efforts. Residents are advised to boil water for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth until further notice.

The Oldfield Road wildfire near Miramichi continues to rage, now covering approximately 340 hectares. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for three homes and a cottage, while 15 other properties remain on alert. No residents were home when the evacuation was ordered. The fire has jumped Highway 8 and remains out of control, with reduced visibility hampering containment efforts.

New Brunswick Natural Resources Minister John Herron described the Oldfield Road fire as “beyond control” during a Saturday briefing, emphasizing that extreme fire conditions are overwhelming firefighting resources. The province has banned access to all Crown land to reduce fire risks, restricting outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, and driving in forested areas.

In York County, a smaller fire near Canterbury, which spanned about five hectares, was brought under control Sunday afternoon.

Officials warn that this wildfire season is unusually severe, with conditions not seen in nearly four decades due to prolonged dry weather.