Municipal Wildfire Risk Update

Alert level
Low

Wildfire risk update - August 25

Following the Government of New Brunswick’s decision to re-open crown lands, the City of Fredericton will remove access restrictions on municipal recreation spaces, effective 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, August 26, 2025. 

Trails and wooded areas at both Killarney Lake Park and Odell Park will re-open, and the UNB Woodlot Trails will also be accessible starting later Tuesday morning. 

Recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, along with ongoing efforts by first responders, have helped contain wildfires across the province. Conditions have now improved, allowing wooded areas to be safely accessed. 

The City of Fredericton sincerely thanks residents for their cooperation, vigilance, and support during this critical wildfire season. 

A citywide fire ban remains in place until further notice. The ban applies to all private residences, private campgrounds, commercial, and public properties. It does not apply to barbecues or natural gas/propane fire pits, which do not produce sparks or embers. Charcoal barbecues in City parks remain prohibited. 

Residents are reminded that any fires in violation of the ban should be reported immediately by calling 9-1-1. 

The City also thanks the Fredericton Fire Department and first responders for their rapid and effective response throughout the wildfire season. Updates on wildfire risks will continue to be provided as the situation evolves.

Wildfire risk update - August 22

Despite cooler temperatures, persistent dry conditions have returned wildfire risk to an extreme level. Soaking rain over multiple days will be required for conditions to return to normal. 

The Fredericton Fire Department requests that residents remain alert and look for signs of fire, including plumes, rising smoke or flames when calling 9-1-1. 

When out and about, please use extreme care when disposing of smoking materials. Careless disposal of cigarette butts is a leading cause of fires.

Wooded areas, including trails in Odell Park, Killarney Lake Park, and the UNB Woodlot, remain closed to all activities, with signage posted to inform visitors. These closures do not affect the beach and lake at Killarney Lake, the ballfields at Odell Park, or the lodges at both parks. All other trails and parks in the city remain open. View affected locations here: https://fredericton.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=1e98219d0e6e49ce917cce51ea0035a2 

The City thanks residents for their cooperation and vigilance, and continues to work with the Government of New Brunswick’s Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development to monitor conditions and lift restrictions when safe. Updates will be provided as the situation evolves. 

Thanks to early detection and resident awareness, the Fredericton Fire Department has been able to contain fires quickly. The City extends sincere thanks to firefighters and first responders for their rapid response. 

Residents are urged to avoid all wooded areas. Entering during extreme risk increases the chances of accidental fires that can spread quickly and cut off escape routes. 

The City currently has no water restrictions or immediate concerns regarding supply, though residents are asked to use water wisely in line with the Provincial request. 

Wildfire risk update - August 18

Fire prevention measures remain in place as weekend rain provides limited relief in Fredericton.

The weekend’s rain has temporarily improved fire conditions, but multiple days of soaking rain will be required for conditions to return to normal due to persistent hot and dry conditions experienced earlier this summer. Dry conditions are expected for the next ten days, or more.

A citywide fire ban remains in effect until further notice, covering all private residences, private campgrounds, commercial, and public properties. The ban does not apply to barbecues or natural gas/propane fire pits, which do not produce sparks or embers. All other backyard fires are prohibited. Charcoal barbecues in City parks, including Wilmot Park, Odell Park, and Killarney Lake Park, are also not permitted.

Wooded areas of Odell Park, Killarney Lake Park, and the UNB Woodlot remain closed to all activities, with signage posted to inform visitors. These closures do not affect the beach and lake at Killarney Lake, the ballfields at Odell Park, or the lodges at both parks. All other trails and parks in the city remain open. View affected locations here: https://fredericton.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid…  

Residents play a vital role in keeping Fredericton safe by staying informed and following fire safety rules. Early detection, supported by their vigilance, has helped firefighters contain fires quickly. The City thanks all first responders for their swift and effective response.

The City currently has no water restrictions or immediate concerns regarding supply, though residents are asked to use water wisely in line with provincial guidance.

Updates will be communicated when restrictions change.

Wild fire update - August 17 at 11:55 am

Fredericton Fire Department firefighters are working at a fire in Odell Park, and have deployed their wildland resources to investigate and attack the fire. We will update this status as information becomes available.
 

Update at 12:30 p.m.

Fredericton - Fire Department have located and extinguished all visible fire. Crews will remain on scene to dig into the ground and debris to ensure the fire is fully extinguished. Thank you for your support.

Wildfire Risk Update - August 16th

Smoke from wildfires in Nova Scotia and other parts of New Brunswick is drifting over the City of Fredericton, prompting widespread fire calls to 9-1-1.  

Residents will continue to experience haze and a strong smell of smoke as winds from the southwest intensify through Saturday afternoon. Real-time smoke conditions are monitored by FireSmoke Canada and are available here: https://firesmoke.ca/forecasts/current/   

The Fredericton Fire Department requests that residents remain alert and look for signs of fire, including plumes, rising smoke or flames when calling 9-1-1.

Wooded areas, including trails in Odell Park, Killarney Lake Park, and the UNB Woodlot, remain closed to all activities, with signage posted to inform visitors. These closures do not affect the beach and lake at Killarney Lake, the ballfields at Odell Park, or the lodges at both parks. All other trails and parks in the city remain open. View affected locations here: https://fredericton.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=1e98219d0e6e49ce917cce51ea0035a2  

Residents across Fredericton are playing a vital role in protecting our community during this critical wildfire season by staying informed and  respecting fire safety rules.  

Thanks to early detection, made possible in part by the watchfulness of residents, Fredericton Firefighters have been able to swiftly contain fires as they’ve occurred. The City extends sincere thanks to our firefighters and first responders for their rapid and effective response in keeping Fredericton safe.  

Soaking rain over multiple days will be required for conditions to return to normal. The City will communicate updates when restrictions change.  

The City currently has no water restrictions or immediate concerns regarding supply, though residents are asked to use water wisely in line with the Provincial request.  

Wildfire Risk Update - August 15th

As we head into the weekend, we’d like to thank residents for your patience and vigilance this week. Fire safety rules remain in place across Fredericton. If the situation changes any updates will be widely communicated.  

Wooded areas, including trails in Odell Park, Killarney Lake Park, and the UNB Woodlot, remain closed to all activities, with signage posted to inform visitors. These closures do not affect the beach and lake at Killarney Lake, the ballfields at Odell Park, or the lodges at both parks. All other trails and parks in the city remain open. View affected locations here: https://fredericton.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=1e98219d0e6e49ce917cce51ea0035a2   

Residents across Fredericton are playing a vital role in protecting our community during this critical wildfire season by staying informed, respecting fire safety rules, and reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 9-1-1. Your continued cooperation and vigilance are making a difference.  

Thanks to early detection, made possible in part by the watchfulness of residents, Fredericton Firefighters have been able to swiftly contain fires as they’ve occurred. The City extends sincere thanks to our firefighters and first responders for their rapid and effective response in keeping Fredericton safe.  

Soaking rain over multiple days will be required for conditions to return to normal. The City will communicate updates when restrictions change.  

We encourage residents to remain patient, vigilant, and to immediately report fires by calling 9-1-1.  

Residents are encouraged to stay cool by visiting city splash pads, wading pools, and other recreational water facilities, which remain open. The City currently has no water restrictions or immediate concerns regarding supply, though residents are asked to use water wisely in line with the Provincial request.  

Although rain is in the forecast, it is unlikely to significantly reduce wildfire risk. Several days of steady rainfall will be required before conditions improve. The City will provide updates when restrictions change.  

Wildfire Risk Update - August 14, 2025

Residents across Fredericton are playing a vital role in protecting our community during this critical wildfire season by staying informed, respecting fire safety rules, and reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 9-1-1. Your continued cooperation and vigilance are making a difference.

Thanks to early detection, made possible in part by the watchfulness of residents, Fredericton Firefighters have been able to swiftly contain fires as they’ve occurred. The City extends sincere thanks to our firefighters and first responders for their rapid and effective response in keeping Fredericton safe.

Today’s rain is a welcome addition to the week’s weather. It’s important to note that due to the limited period of rain, and the extent of dry conditions, today’s weather will have a very short-term impact. We encourage residents to remain patient, vigilant, and to immediately report fires by calling 9-1-1.

Wooded areas, including trails in Odell Park, Killarney Lake Park, and the UNB Woodlot, remain closed to all activities, with signage posted to inform visitors. These closures do not affect the beach and lake at Killarney Lake, the ballfields at Odell Park, or the lodges at both parks. All other trails and parks in the city remain open. View affected locations here:https://fredericton.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid…  

Residents are encouraged to stay cool by visiting city splash pads, wading pools, and other recreational water facilities, which remain open. The City currently has no water restrictions or immediate concerns regarding supply, though residents are asked to use water wisely in line with the Provincial request.

Although rain is in the forecast, it is unlikely to significantly reduce wildfire risk. Several days of steady rainfall will be required before conditions improve. The City will provide updates when restrictions change.
 

Wildfire Update - August 13, 2025 - 6:50 p.m.

The Fredericton Fire Department crews are working at a wildland fire behind the Walmart on the city’s northside. Crews have the fire contained and are extinguishing hot spots.

Any signs of smoke or fire should be reported immediately to 9-1-1. The Fredericton Fire Department remains fully prepared to respond to both wildland and urban fire incidents.  

Wildfire Risk Update - August 13, 2025

The City thanks all residents for their continued cooperation and vigilance during this wildfire season. 

The City of Fredericton urges all residents to respect fire safety rules as dry, hot conditions have placed the city at extreme risk of wildfire. Residents should avoid all forested areas to lower the risk of accidental fires, which can grow quickly to become out of control. 

Wooded areas, including trails in Odell Park, Killarney Lake Park, and the UNB Woodlot, are suspended to all activities, with signage posted throughout to inform visitors. These closures do not affect the beach and lake at Killarney Lake, the ballfields at Odell Park, or the lodges at both parks. All other trails and parks across the city remain open. To find the exact locations affected, please visit our map: https://fredericton.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=1e98219d0e6e49ce917cce51ea0035a2 

Residents are encouraged to stay cool by using city splash pads, wading pools, and other recreational water facilities, which remain open. 

Currently, there are no restrictions or immediate concerns regarding the City’s water supply, but we ask residents to use water wisely, in line with the Provincial request. Any changes or updates will be communicated directly by the City. 

The Fredericton Fire Department remains fully prepared and ready to respond to both wildland and urban fire incidents. 

Fires that violate the fire ban should be reported immediately to 9-1-1. 

Province of New Brunswick Fire Watch: www.gnb.ca/en/topic/laws-safety/emergency-preparedness-alerts/fire-watch.html 

City of Fredericton Emergency Preparedness: www.fredericton.ca/resident-services/public-safety/emergency-preparedness 

Sign up for Voyent Alert!: www.fredericton.ca/resident-services/community-alerts 

Disaster Response Registry: www.fredericton.ca/disasterresponseregistry 

To learn more, visit: https://www.fredericton.ca/your-government/news/residents-encouraged-continue-respecting-fire-safety-rules-extreme-risk

Wildfire Risk Update - August 12, 2025

The City of Fredericton Emergency Measures Organization remains at a Level 2 activation due to ongoing wildfire hazards across New Brunswick. We all have a role in keeping the city safe, and this includes staying out of wooded areas. 

All activities in the wooded areas of Odell, and Killarney Lake Park, and the UNB woodlot are suspended. Some areas remain available for use. To find the exact locations affected, please visit our map: https://fredericton.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=1e98219d0e6e49ce917cce51ea0035a2

For the full list of closures, visit: www.fredericton.ca/your-government/news/residents-encouraged-respect-fi…

Why? When wildfire risk is high, being in wooded areas is dangerous. Accidental fires can easily ignite and rapidly grow out of control, and escape routes may cut off. Please avoid all wooded areas until conditions improve. 

Fires that violate the fire ban should be reported to 9-1-1 immediately. 

The Fredericton Fire Department remains at a heightened state of readiness for both wildland and urban fires. 

Province of New Brunswick’s Fire Watch: www.gnb.ca/en/topic/laws-safety/emergency-preparedness-alerts/fire-watch.html

City of Fredericton Emergency Preparedness: www.fredericton.ca/resident-services/public-safety/emergency-preparedness

Sign up for Voyent Alert!: www.fredericton.ca/resident-services/community-alerts

Sign up for the Disaster Response Registry: www.fredericton.ca/disasterresponseregistry

The City thanks all residents for their cooperation and vigilance during this wildfire season. 

Wildfire Risk Update - August 11, 2025

The City of Fredericton advises everyone to follow fire safety rules and stay informed as wildfire risks persist across the province.

Due to the ongoing threat, the Fredericton Emergency Measures Organization has activated its Level Two Emergency Operations Centre for a coordinated response. Residents can expect daily updates as the City works with provincial and community partners. The Fredericton Fire Department is fully equipped and trained to handle wildfire threats in both urban and forested areas.

City of Fredericton updates:

  • A citywide fire ban remains in place until further notice, covering all private residences, private campgrounds, commercial, and public properties.
  • The ban does not apply to barbecues or natural gas/propane fire pits, as these do not produce sparks or embers. Backyard fires of any other kind are prohibited.
  • The ban includes all charcoal barbecues in City parks, including Wilmot Park, Odell Park, and Killarney Lake Park.
  • Trails in Odell Park and Killarney Lake Park remain closed, and residents are advised to suspend all activities in wooded areas of both parks. Signage is in place wherever possible to inform park visitors. The closure does not apply to the beach and lake area at Killarney Lake.
  • All activities in the UNB woodlot are suspended. 
  • All other trails within the city remain open. Signage is posted throughout these areas to inform residents.
  • There are no immediate concerns regarding the City’s water supply.

The Fredericton Fire Department remains at a heightened level of readiness to respond to reports of smoke or fire in wildland or urban areas. The City urges all residents to remain vigilant, follow fire safety rules, and stay informed as conditions evolve.

Residents should review and maintain their evacuation plan, and their evacuation kit.

Fires that violate the fire ban should be reported to 9-1-1 immediately.

Wildfire Risk Update - August 9, 2025

The Province of New Brunswick has declared an extreme wildfire hazard and will close all Crown land effective 12:01am, Sunday, August 10. This means all industrial and recreational activities on Crown land are prohibited. Residents are also urged to avoid private woodlots and woods roads.

City of Fredericton updates: 

  • Trail closures: All trails at Odell Park and Killarney Lake Park are closed.
  • The closure does not apply to the beach and lake at Killarney Lake.
  • All other City trails remain open at this time.

Fire ban:

  • A citywide fire ban is in effect, including the Hartt Island RV Resort.
  • This ban does not apply to barbecues or natural gas/propane fire pits, as they do not create sparks or embers.

Learn more about wildfire prevention on the Province of New Brunswick's Fire Watch webpage and the Emergency Preparedness on the City of Fredericton website.

The Fredericton Fire Department remains at a heightened level of readiness to respond to reports of smoke or fire in wildland or urban areas. The City urges all residents to remain vigilant, follow fire safety rules, and stay informed as conditions evolve.

Residents should review and maintain their evacuation plan, and their evacuation kit.  

In any emergency, first responders will be dealing with those most affected. All residents need to be prepared to take care of themselves and their families for a minimum of 72 hours. Could you do that if you need to? Preparing now could make all the difference in keeping you, your loved ones, and your property safe.

For people with disabilities or special needs, additional advice on how to prepare for emergencies is available through Public Safety Canada’s Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities/ Special Needs.

Make an Emergency Plan

Creating a plan will ensure that you and your family members know what to do and who to call in an emergency. To start making your plan:

  • Collect health and medication information for your family.
  • Designate safe exits from your home and neighbourhood.
  • Designate a safe meeting place to reunite with family or roommates.
  • Designate someone to pick up children should you be unavailable.
  • Designate a safe place for your pet to stay.
  • Make sure you have a supply of flashlights and batteries.
  • Collect insurance documents, important phone numbers, etc. Pick a safe place to store them.
  • Make a list of contact persons close by and out of town.

For help making a full emergency plan for you and your family, use the Government of Canada’s guide.

Get a 72-Hour Emergency Kit

In an emergency, responders must assist those in immediate danger first. A 72-hour kit holds basic supplies to support you and your family in an emergency for 3 days. Basic items to include in your kit include:

  • Food that won't spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (ensure you have food that doesn’t require cooking in the event of an electrical outage)
  • Manual can opener
  • Wind-up or battery-powered flashlight (and extra batteries)
  • Wind-up or battery-powered radio (and extra batteries)
  • First aid kit
  • Extra keys for your car and house
  • Cash (including change)
  • Important family documents such as identification, insurance and bank records
  • Emergency plan - include a copy in your kit as well as contact information
  • Water – two litres of water per person per day (include small bottles)

For a complete list of what to include in your kit: