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For updates, notices and important information related to wildfire risks from the Government of New Brunswick, New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization (NB-EMO), and Town of Grand Bay-Westfield Emergency Management Organization (EMO).
Register for Town of Grand Bay-Westfield emergency alerts by selecting the image below
The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield encourages residents to register for the emergency alert system (CodeRED by OnSolve). This is to ensure that the Town can notify residents in the event of emergency situations or critical community alerts.
Users will be provided two (2) options for registering – managed account or guest. Registering a managed account is the recommended option as it will allow the user to login any time and change contact information or notification preferences. Registering a guest account can be helpful for those who do not have regular access to email or the internet, and simply wish to add a phone number.
Important: Information from the previous emergency alerting system will not be carried over to the new system. Those previously registered with the old system (Sentinel Emergency Alerts) will need to register with the new system (CodeRED by OnSolve) to continue receiving emergency notifications.
Questions? Residents requiring assistance in registering may contact the Town Office at (506) 738-6400.
Every household needs an evacuation plan and emergency preparedness kit.
Being prepared can keep you and your family safe:
For the latest updates on the forest fire situation, visit the Government of New Brunswick Fire Watch page: www.gnb.ca/FireWatch
Follow the Town of Grand Bay-Westfield on Facebook and Instagram, or visit www.grandbaywestfield.ca
Per Town of Grand Bay-Westfield By-law PS-002 fireworks and open fires of any type are prohibited when the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development has set Kings County as closed for burning.
Visit HERE for the GNB Fire Watch page.
This includes recreational campfires.
BBQs and propane fire pits are acceptable as they do not produce embers.
In keeping with the provincial burn ban measures put in place by the Government of New Brunswick, the Town of Grand Bay-Westfield is taking the following actions:
- The Grand Bay-Westfield Emergency Management Organization will move to activation Level 1 (Enhanced Monitoring). This activation is to monitor conditions related to the extreme risk of wildfires.
- The Grand Bay-Westfield Fire-Rescue Department is:
- Temporarily increasing the number of apparatus and personnel dispatched to outside fires.
- Suspending pool fills by the Firefighters Association (to conserve water)
- Limiting use of water sources (other than the St. John River) to emergency operations only.
- The Grand Bay-Westfield Public Works Department is:
- Limiting use of outdoor power equipment to battery operated types.
- Limiting mowing of lawns.
- Temporarily suspending tree cutting operations.
- Staging barricades and traffic cones for quick deployment if needed for road closures or evacuations.
Wildfires don’t stop at property lines, and neither should wildfire preparedness.
There is a high probability that smoke from wildfires will impact the air quality in certain regions of New Brunswick this week. A heat alert is also in place, which can make the effects of smoke worse, especially for vulnerable people.
We’re incredibly grateful for your efforts so far in supporting our team as it focuses on fighting forest fires. Wondering how you can help?
– Clear debris from your property to reduce fire risks.
While we appreciate the offers to help fight the fires, it’s a highly specialized task. The best way you can support us is by helping prevent new fires from starting. Let’s work together to keep our communities safe!
Published August 26, 2025: Via Nature Trust of New Brunswick social media platforms (this includes Blueberry Hill Nature Preserve)
Published by Government of New Brunswick on August 25, 2025
Government of New Brunswick News Release
FREDERICTON (GNB) – Most restrictions that were placed on Crown lands due to the high risk of wildfires will be removed at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday. A burn ban, however, will remain in place.
“I want to thank all those who are on the front lines, keeping New Brunswickers safe and protecting their homes, communities and forests,’’ said Premier Susan Holt. “A special thanks to the exceptional team at the provincial fire centre – and at command centres around the province – who are working long hours supporting the firefighters on the ground and the pilots in the air.”
Holt also extended her gratitude to New Brunswickers for doing their part to protect firefighters and the province’s forests by respecting the ban.
Natural Resources Minister John Herron said people still need to be mindful that conditions remain dry and there are several fires burning in the province.
“We’re asking all New Brunswickers to be safe and cautious when returning to the woods and to stay away from areas where firefighters are still actively fighting wildfires,” said Herron. “We rely on our forests as an economic driver in our province, as well as for our enjoyment and recreation. Lifting most of these restrictions will allow all of us to get back to our routines, however, if there are new fires, we may have to reconsider.”
Restrictions will remain for timber harvesting, which will only be allowed between the hours of 6 p.m. and noon to avoid the hottest and driest portion of the day. This will be reassessed on a daily basis.
In addition, restrictions on peat harvesting, which has been permitted since Aug. 13 with the goal of reducing peat piles, will remain until further notice to ensure that current piles continue to be reduced.
Municipalities may use their own discretion on whether to reopen their parks and trails.
Restrictions were placed on some forestry operations on Aug. 8, however all Crown land in the province was closed to industrial and recreational activities on Aug. 10 due to an extreme wildfire hazard. Private landowners and municipalities were encouraged to take the same precautions.
Since the beginning of this wildfire season, more than 2,200 hectares have burned. This exceeds the 186.5 hectares burned last year and the 10-year average of 395.5 hectares.
There have been 293 fires this year compared to 224 last year. The 10-year average is 215.
Regional offices of the Department of Natural Resources will reopen to the public on Tuesday, except for the one in Miramichi.
People can mitigate the wildfire situation by obeying the burn ban, reporting wildfires, not smoking in the woods and using all-terrain vehicles responsibly.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to check the daily burn notice to see the current status in their area.
People with questions about Crown land activities may call 1-833-301-0334.
Published: August 18, 2025 – Via New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization (NB-EMO) social media
Published: August 16, 2025 – Via New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization (NB-EMO) social media
The presence of smoke in the air is being reported across the province.
Published by Government of New Brunswick on August 13, 2025
Government of New Brunswick News Release
FREDERICTON (GNB) – Firefighting crews continue to face challenging situations as they battle wildfires around the province.
There are 16 active fires, with two considered out of control (Oldfield Road in Miramichi and the Irishtown district of Maple Hills). Of the remaining fires, one is under control and 13 are being patrolled.
Current forecasts predict thunderstorms. Potential lightning strikes, combined with ongoing conditions, present a high risk for additional fires.
“While we welcome any rain we may see later today or tomorrow, we are concerned about the lightning that might come with it,” said Natural Resources Minister John Herron. “While this break from extreme heat is a relief, this change brings its own dangers with it, and we need New Brunswickers to continue to take all possible precautions to limit the likelihood of starting any more fires.”
People are encouraged to check on their neighbours, family and friends.
“We always look out for one another in this province,” said Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin. “It’s in our giving nature to want to ensure everyone is safe and doing well, and we know New Brunswickers are happy to help support each other during this difficult time.”
A burn ban, which includes campfires in provincial parks, remains in place for the entire province, and recreational activities on Crown lands are not permitted. In addition, forestry operations such as harvesting, forwarding, skidding, scarification, chipping and all pre-commercial thinning and cleaning remain suspended indefinitely.
Some forestry-related operations will resume tonight or Thursday night where fire risk can be mitigated. For instance, peat piles may be reduced since they can cause a fire hazard. As well, if a mill has less than a five-day supply of harvested trees, trucks will be allowed to go into the woods to get that supply. Blueberries on Crown land may be harvested, but all permitted activities must meet specific conditions, such as working at night and with firefighting equipment on site.
The Department of Natural Resources will communicate with those industry stakeholders directly.
Every household at risk of evacuation should have a kit stocked with everything their family would need for at least 72 hours, including medication and important documents, as well as pets and supplies.
Residents are encouraged to monitor the department’s Fire Watch page.
There is a high probability that smoke from wildfires will affect air quality in certain regions of the province, and people are reminded to take precautions. Infants, children, pregnant women, older adults, smokers and people with chronic heart or lung disease should stay indoors to reduce their exposure to the outdoor air. If smoke conditions become severe, people may experience eye or throat irritation and possibly shortness of breath. People should adapt their activities as necessary.
Anyone with difficulty breathing or chest discomfort should consult their physician or contact Tele-Care 811. People in severe distress should immediately call 911.
The recent hot, dry weather and low precipitation have also led to other issues, including below-normal surface and groundwater levels throughout the province. New Brunswickers are encouraged to take steps to conserve water, which may include:
• avoiding washing vehicles
• avoiding watering lawns
• avoiding filling swimming pools
• using washing machines and dishwashers less frequently and with full loads only
• taking quick showers to minimize water used for washing
• considering installing low-flow faucets
• checking for leaks in plumbing systems, such as faucets and toilets, and repairing as necessary.
Published by Government of New Brunswick on August 12, 2025
Government of New Brunswick News Release
FREDERICTON (GNB) – New Brunswickers are being encouraged to conserve water as surface water and groundwater levels are lower than normal throughout the province.
“Recent heat waves, coupled with low precipitation over the last few weeks, have affected water levels,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage. “A slow and steady rainfall over several days is needed to help improve low water levels, so we are asking everyone to do what they can to conserve water.”
Stream flows are below the long-term normal for most of the province, except in the northwest where they are normal. All-time-low stream flows have been observed at several sites in the northeast, southeast and along the Bay of Fundy coast.
Groundwater levels at eastern and southeastern monitoring sites are well below normal, with groundwater levels at all monitoring sites throughout New Brunswick on the decline. With no significant precipitation in the immediate forecast, conditions are expected to continue to decline.
LePage said everyone should be thinking about how they can reduce water use, whether they are on a private well or on a municipal system.
The Department of Environment and Local Government suggests the following ways for people to conserve water:
- avoid washing vehicles
- avoid watering lawns
- avoid filling swimming pools
- use washing machines and dishwashers less frequently and with full loads only
- take quick showers to minimize water used for washing
- consider installing low-flow faucets
- check for leaks in plumbing systems, such as faucets and toilets, and repair as necessary
Updates on water levels are available on the New Brunswick Water Quantity Information website. The site is updated monthly and contains summaries of precipitation, stream flow and groundwater levels.
Updated: August 11, 2025
In keeping with the provincial burn ban measures put in place by the Government of New Brunswick, the Town of Grand Bay-Westfield is taking the following actions:
- The Grand Bay-Westfield Emergency Management Organization will move to activation Level 1 (Enhanced Monitoring). This activation is to monitor conditions related to the extreme risk of wildfires.
- The Grand Bay-Westfield Fire-Rescue Department is:
- Temporarily increasing the number of apparatus and personnel dispatched to outside fires.
- Suspending pool fills by the Firefighters Association (to conserve water)
- Limiting use of water sources (other than the St. John River) to emergency operations only.
- The Grand Bay-Westfield Public Works Department is:
- Limiting use of outdoor power equipment to battery operated types.
- Limiting mowing of lawns.
- Temporarily suspending tree cutting operations.
- Staging barricades and traffic cones for quick deployment if needed for road closures or evacuations.
Prohibited Activities
Per By-law PS-002 fireworks and open fires of any type are prohibited when the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development has set Kings County as closed for burning (Fire Watch – gnb.ca). This includes recreational campfires. BBQs and propane fire pits are acceptable as they do not produce embers.
Evacuation Planning
Wildfires can happen at any time and can move very quickly. Everyone should have an evacuation plan and and emergency preparedness kit. Learn more about making an emergency plan here and an emergency preparedness kit here.
What You Can Do
Grand Bay-Westfield EMO is asking residents and businesses to take actions to prevent wildfires on their properties and in our community. These actions can include:
1. Staying out of the woods – humans are responsible for slightly more than half of wildfires in Canada (Wildfire facts). Please refrain from activities such as camping, hiking and fishing.
2. Leaving your ATV home – off-road vehicles are a leading cause of wildfires.
3. Ensuring good yard maintenance – a clean yard is safer.
4. Avoiding the use of gas-powered equipment such as chainsaws, lawn mowers etc.
5. Reporting any signs of fire immediately by calling 911.
6. Take action to protect what matters most – your home and community. The FireSmart Begins at Home Guide provides simple, but effective steps to reduce your risk from wildfires. Check out more FireSmart resources at: www.gnb.ca/FireSmartNB
The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield encourages residents to register for the emergency alert system, CodeRED by OnSolve. This is to ensure that the Town can notify residents in the event of emergency situations or critical community alerts. To register, visit https://grandbaywestfield.ca/emergency-notification-system/
Updates will be shared as conditions change.
Town Contact Information
Phone: (506) 738-6400
Email: administration@towngbw.ca
In-person: 609 River Valley Drive, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (excluding holidays)
Stay Informed
Follow the Town of Grand Bay-Westfield on Facebook and Instagram, or visit www.grandbaywestfield.ca
Published by Government of New Brunswick on August 11, 2025
Government of New Brunswick News Release
FREDERICTON (GNB) – Staff from the Department of Natural Resources and other agencies continue to fight wildfires in various areas of the province as hot, dry weather envelopes the region.
Three of these fires remain out of control: one in the Irishtown district of Maple Hills, another north of Miramichi, and one in the Bathurst region.
Extremely dry and dangerous conditions present the risk of additional fires. A burn ban remains in place for the entire province, and all Crown lands are closed. Hiking, camping, fishing and the use of vehicles in the woods are not permitted, and trail systems through woods are off limits; private property owners are strongly encouraged to follow the same approach.
Forestry operations such as harvesting, forwarding, skidding, scarification, chipping and all pre-commercial thinning and cleaning are prohibited.
“Conditions in our province are very dry and hot right now, and that puts us at real risk for our existing fires to grow and for new fires to start,” said Natural Resources Minister John Herron. “Our priority right now is safety: keeping our residents and first responders out of danger. As part of that, we need New Brunswickers to stay out of the woods and take precautions to limit the likelihood of accidentally starting additional fires.”
Given the current conditions, people should be prepared to evacuate and are reminded to gather all essentials, including medication and important documents, as well as pets and supplies, so that they do not need to return to an evacuated area.
At this time, residents of the Irishtown, Évangéline and Lakeville districts of Maple Hills, as well as the Tankville district of Moncton, should have an evacuation plan and be prepared to leave on short notice. An Alert Ready message will be issued in the event an evacuation order is issued. All New Brunswickers are advised to stay informed through trusted sources such as the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization and the provincial government’s social media channels.
The government has requested assistance from its neighbours, and firefighting teams will start arriving tonight.
“To reiterate the severity of the current wildfire situation, for the first time in New Brunswick history, we have requested help from our neighbours,” said Herron. “We’ve always been a good partner to other provinces and territories, and even to other countries, when they needed it.”
In addition, as of 4:30 p.m. today, all district offices of the Department of Natural Resources will be closed to the public to allow staff to focus on firefighting efforts.
Residents are encouraged to monitor the department’s Fire Watch page.
People are reminded to take precautions when heavy smoke affects air quality. Infants, children, pregnant women, older adults, smokers and people with chronic heart or lung disease should stay indoors to reduce their exposure to the outdoor air. If smoke conditions become severe, people may experience eye or throat irritation and possibly shortness of breath. People should adapt their activities as necessary.
Anyone with difficulty breathing or chest discomfort should consult their physician or contact Tele-Care 811. People in severe distress should immediately call 911.
Published August 11, 2025: Via Nature Trust of New Brunswick social media platforms (this includes the Blueberry Hill Nature Preserve)
Because of the high fire index and ongoing dry conditions, all Nature Trust of New Brunswick preserves and trails are temporarily closed to reduce the risk of wildfire.
We fully support the efforts of the Government of New Brunswick to protect our forests, our communities, and the natural spaces we all cherish. Let’s all do our part to keep them safe.
Published by Government of New Brunswick on August 9, 2025
Government of New Brunswick News Release
FREDERICTON (GNB) – As of 12:01 a.m. Sunday, August 10, all Crown land in the province will close due to an extreme wildfire hazard.
As a result of extremely dry and dangerous conditions, the closure of Crown land will see all industrial and recreational activities prohibited on Crown land. We are also encouraging private landowners to take the same precautions. People currently at camps on Crown land are encouraged to leave by midnight. In addition, people are also being asked to avoid using private wood lots and woods roads.
The restrictions on Crown land, effective as of 12:01 a.m. on August 10, include:
- hiking, camping, fishing and the use of vehicles in the woods are not permitted
- trail systems through woods are off limits
- camping is allowed only in campgrounds, but the public is being asked to reconsider their camping plans until such time the forest fire risk decreases
Private property owners are also strongly encouraged to follow the same approach.
As of noon on Saturday, there were seven active wildfires, including the one in Miramichi currently deemed to be out of control. Five were being patrolled and one was under control. This year, to date, there have been 222 fires, burning approximately 168 hectares. Last year, there were 215 fires that burned 185 hectares. The 10-year-average of fires to date is 206 fires that burned 374 hectares.
Along with our fleet of air tankers, we also have two skimmer planes from Quebec in action that can land on and scoop water from lakes or other bodies of water, then drop it on wildfires. New Brunswickers are asked to stay away if they see these planes near water for the safety of the pilots and themselves.
Danny Goddard, the province’s wildfire science officer, says the province is in a long-term drying trend. This means lower humidity and high temperatures will continue into the end of next week.
“Our province is facing an extremely volatile situation right now,” said Natural Resources Minister John Herron. We need New Brunswickers to stay out of the woods for their own safety, and the safety of their neighbours, communities, wildlife habitats, and our forests.”
Premier Susan Holt said it’s extremely important for New Brunswickers to look after one another and to keep safety top of mind while we are in this period of prolonged wildfire risk.
“The entire province is in an unprecedented situation,’’ said the Premier. “I know that New Brunswickers deeply care for one another and love our forests and beautiful natural environment. Right now, we need New Brunswickers to help keep our people and our province safe.”
A burn ban remains in place for the entire province, including all provincial parks. Up-to-date information on wildfire risks and burn bans is available on the Fire Watch website. More information on fire prevention is available online.
