Important Notice: City of Saint John update related to provincial burn ban

UPDATE: August 10, 2025

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  Provincial Fire Watch and outdoor activity restrictions

In keeping with the provincial burn ban measures put in place by the Government of New Brunswick, the City of Saint John will be closing all walking and biking trails at Rockwood Park, Tucker Park and Little River Reservoir, effective at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, August 11.

We understand that this may not be the news some residents want to hear, and we realize it is the height of enjoying summer activities and being outdoors. Our region, and the province, are under the threat of wildfires due to severe dry conditions and keeping our residents, communities, parks, wetlands and recreational areas safe are most important. It only takes the smallest of sparks to start a fire.

As an alternative to visiting any wooded areas, we encourage you to get out and enjoy the many beaches we have around Saint John, take a walk along Harbour Passage or head to one of the City's splashpads to cool off.

It is also important to remember that any wildfires in the area could seriously impact our watershed lands and our drinking water system, so lets all work together to protect this vital infrastructure.

City officials will be working closely with front-line agencies to ensure we keep our encampment residents safe and out of harm’s way and that they are made aware of the situation.

If you see a fire, please call 911 right away and report it so that Saint John Fire crews can respond immediately.

We appreciate everyone’s support as we take the measures necessary to protect our communities and our residents. We are asking everyone to be aware, be smart and be safe. 
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(August 9, 2025) IMPORTANT NOTICE: Provincial update on Fire Watch and outdoor activity restrictions

On behalf of the Government of New Brunswick

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 decrease.

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.

www.gnb.ca/FireWatch

https://www2.gnb.ca/.../news/news_release.2025.08.0327.html

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What does this mean for Saint John residents?

The Saint John Fire Department is actively monitoring the situation. Saint John Emergency Management Organization (SJEMO) will move to Level I activation (enhanced monitoring) on Monday morning, August 11. As we have all seen this summer across the country, including the Maritimes, wildfires are devastating communities, and it only takes a small spark for it to happen in our area.

The City is asking and encouraging the public to follow the guidelines and restrictions being put in place by the province. Please limit or avoid travel and activities in all wooded areas.

While there are no restrictions to accessing parks operated by the City at this time, fires and BBQs are not permitted. The City is evaluating any extra measures that may need to be taken, and we will update the public if any additional restrictions are put in place.

A full provincial burn ban is in place, and we are asking the public to refrain from any activities such as camping, ATVs on trails and any potentially fire-inducing activities.

Private property owners are also strongly encouraged to follow the same approach.

Let’s all do our part to keep Saint John, the region, the province and each other safe.