On behalf of the Government of New Brunswick
Department of Natural Resources, Office of the Premier
April 08, 2026
FREDERICTON (GNB) – New Brunswick has launched wildfire season early this year due to concerns related to record-low precipitation levels, a lack of snow, and prolonged drought conditions.
New Brunswickers can now check the Fire Watch page or the wildfire dashboard for the latest information on burn notices and fire conditions. The dashboard is updated at 2 p.m. each day throughout the season.
“After what we saw last year, we know many New Brunswickers are feeling anxious about this wildfire season. That’s why we’ve made real investments to be ready,” said Premier Susan Holt. “We’ve added full-time, year-round forest rangers, invested in additional equipment, and strengthened our response so we can act quickly when it matters most. This is about making sure New Brunswickers feel safe and know we’re prepared to protect their families, communities and our beautiful forests.”
The government is investing $6.7 million to strengthen wildfire preparedness and response efforts. This funding provides budget to convert 74 seasonal forest ranger positions into year-round roles. These year-round positions will ensure the province is better equipped not only for wildfire seasons but also to provide assistance to other provinces when needed.
The provincial government is also enhancing its contract with Forest Protection Ltd. to include four new Fire Boss aircraft for wildfire suppression, further bolstering its ability to respond swiftly and effectively to future fires. The Fire Boss is a specialized aircraft that allows the pilot to scoop water directly from lakes or rivers.
“We have had one of the driest years in decades with 10 consecutive months of below-normal precipitation,” said Natural Resources Minister John Herron. “Given these conditions as well as last year’s wildfires, our wildfire team is approaching this season with extreme precaution and heightened awareness, and we are asking New Brunswickers to do the same. We need everyone on board to protect our people, forests and critical infrastructure.”
New Brunswickers are asked to check burning conditions by calling 1-866-458-8080 or visiting the Fire Watch page. In addition, people are encouraged to visit the FireSmart NB website to learn more about how they can make their property more resilient to wildfire. Simple actions like clearing gutters, cleaning up debris and pruning trees can make a big difference.
Wildfire prevention officers encourage people to continue enjoying the outdoors while being vigilant with backyard firepits, motorized vehicles and hunting, fishing and camping activities. They also rely on New Brunswickers to report fires by calling 911 or their regional office, so that action can be taken quickly.
08-04-26
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