The New Brunswick government issued a notice telling residents to stay out of the woods because of the risk of wildfires. “As of 12:01 a.m. Sunday, August 10, all Crown land in the province will close due to an extreme wildfire hazard,” a statement on behalf of the Government of New Brunswick read. “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,” it continued. The notice by New Brunswick follows a similar move by Nova Scotia, where residents are threatened with a $25,000 fine. Canadian Province Orders Residents To Stay Out Of The Woods – Threatens $25,000 Fine The notice continues: 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. New Brunswick has joined Nova Scotia in banning people from the woods. Agenda 2030 in action. The goal is to ban people from nature, and it is progressing. The eventual goal? Never leaving your smart city. pic.twitter.com/wPlNBknWhr — ZeeeMediaOfficial (@zeee_media) August 10, 2025 "Nova Scotia just handed me a fine for $28,872.50 for walking into the woods," retired Canadian veteran Jeff Evely said. Nova Scotia just handed me a fine for $28,872.50 for walking into the woods. pic.twitter.com/sARyEzHAzR — Jeff Evely (@JeffEvely) August 9, 2025 Other residents in Nova Scotia defied the ban. My man out in Nova Scotia, boldly defying the great *Stay Inside & Obey* decree - proving that fresh air and free Canadians still exist. Keep walking, brother. pic.twitter.com/DU4na4A9Is — The Shift Has Hit The Fan (@shifthitfan) August 9, 2025 CBC noted: Unlike Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, New Brunswick has not imposed increased fines for people who violate the restrictions. Holt said she hopes that step won't be necessary. "We know New Brunswickers want to protect our woods and forests," she said. "Should that change, then we'll revisit the question of fines." A wildfire that broke out earlier in the week on Oldfield Road, about 16 kilometres north of Miramichi, grew in size on Saturday, going from 160 hectares in the morning to approximately 240 hectares by 3 p.m., said Natural Resources Minister John Herron. Herron called the fire "beyond control." He said it is in a classification that it cannot be controlled currently no matter what resources are thrown at it. No structures have been damaged in the fire thus far but officials are knocking on doors to warn nearby cottage owners.