End of Crown Land Restrictions in N.B. at Midnight, Provincewide Burn Ban Continues

New Brunswick wildfire Update: Evacuation Orders & Burn Ban in Effect

Fredericton, NB – New Brunswick remains on high alert as 19 active wildfires burn across the province, with three currently classified as out of control. Restrictions on Crown land have been lifted at midnight,but a province-wide fire ban remains in effect.

Residents in two areas have been warned to prepare for potential evacuation due to the ongoing threat posed by these wildfires. Evacuation advisories have been issued for some areas, urging residents to stay informed and ready to leave if needed.

The warnings come as the province battles numerous blazes. Officials are urging caution and vigilance as dry conditions continue to fuel the risk of new fires. Residents are encouraged to monitor the situation and heed any instructions from local authorities.

What specific factors influenced the decision to lift Crown land access restrictions while maintaining the burn ban?

As of midnight tonight, August 25th, 2025, restrictions on accessing and utilizing Crown land in New Brunswick will be lifted. This change impacts recreational activities like hiking, camping, and foraging, and also resource-based industries. however, a provincewide burn ban remains firmly in place due to ongoing dry conditions and elevated fire risk. This article details what you need to know about both developments.

Crown land Access Restored: What’s Changing?

For months, New Brunswickers have faced limitations on Crown land access, initially implemented to mitigate wildfire risks during a particularly dry spring and summer. These restrictions included prohibitions on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-road vehicles (ORVs), and open fires.

Here’s a breakdown of the changes taking effect at midnight:

Full Access Resumed: All Crown land will be open for recreational and commercial use, reverting to pre-restriction conditions.

ATV/ORV Use: Operators can once again utilize trails and Crown land for ATV and ORV activities, adhering to all existing regulations regarding registration, insurance, and designated trail systems.

Forestry Operations: Commercial forestry operations can resume normal activity levels,subject to ongoing monitoring of fire risk.

Permitting: Existing permitting requirements for activities like timber harvesting and mineral exploration remain unchanged.

This easing of restrictions is a welcome sign for many New Brunswickers who rely on Crown land for both leisure and livelihood. The Department of Natural Resources and energy Growth (DNRED) will continue to monitor conditions and reserves the right to reinstate restrictions if fire danger levels escalate.

Provincewide Burn Ban: Critical Information

Despite the lifting of Crown land access restrictions, the provincewide burn ban remains in effect. This ban prohibits all open fires, including:

Campfires

Brush piles

Backyard fire pits

The use of wood-burning stoves or fireplaces outdoors

The burn ban applies to all areas of New Brunswick, nonetheless of location – including private property. Violators face significant fines, possibly reaching thousands of dollars, and may be held liable for the costs associated wiht extinguishing any wildfires they inadvertently start.

Why the Burn Ban Remains?

The continued high fire risk is attributed to:

persistent Drought Conditions: Much of New Brunswick continues to experience below-average rainfall, leaving vegetation extremely dry and susceptible to ignition.

High Temperatures: Warm temperatures and low humidity contribute to rapid fire spread.

Wind Conditions: Even moderate winds can quickly escalate a small fire into a large-scale wildfire.

Staying Informed: Resources and Updates

Staying up-to-date on the latest fire conditions and restrictions is crucial. Here are key resources:

DNRED Website: https://www.newbrunswick511.ca/)

local Fire Departments: Contact your local fire department for specific information regarding fire safety in your area.

Social media: Follow DNRED on social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter) for timely updates.

fire Prevention Tips: Protecting Our Forests

Even without an active burn ban, practicing fire prevention is essential. Consider these tips:

Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure vehicles are properly maintained to prevent sparks from exhaust systems.

Equipment Safety: Use caution when operating machinery that could generate sparks.

Cigarette Disposal: Dispose of cigarette butts responsibly – never toss them from a vehicle or onto dry vegetation.

Report Fires: Immediately report any signs of a wildfire to 911.

Historical Context: Crown Land Management in N.B.

New Brunswick’s Crown land represents a significant portion of the province’s territory. Management of these lands has evolved over time, balancing resource extraction, environmental conservation, and recreational access.recent years have seen increased emphasis on sustainable forestry practices and wildfire prevention, leading to more proactive restrictions during periods of high risk. The lifting and reinstating of restrictions, as seen this summer, demonstrate the dynamic nature of this management approach. The Crown, as referenced in the series The Crown* (a popular Netflix show exploring the British monarchy – Understanding Fire Danger Levels

New Brunswick uses a fire danger rating system to assess the risk of wildfire. These levels are:

1