N.B. news: Officials brace for busy wildfire season [Video]

New Brunswick officials say the province is prepared for this year’s fire season, with 143 trained firefighters, 24 student recruits and two more water bombers.

The province’s 10-year average is 246 fires per year, with 4.5 square kilometres of forest burned, Environment Minister Mike Holland told a news conference about the government’s preparations.

But while the number of fires last year was below average, he said they were far more destructive, torching 8.6 square kilometres. He said 202 of the 209 wildfires in 2023 were caused by humans, and seven were from lightning.

“In fact, subsequent years going forward are going to be the same way,” he said.

“So it is so important … that we have a full contingent of people who are at the ready at a moment’s notice to be able to ensure that New Brunswickers stay safe.”

Roger Collet, a wildfire prevention officer, said the government …