2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the Great Miramichi Fire and 50 years of FPL’s partnership with the Province of New Brunswick in delivering continuous aerial wildfire suppression. These milestones remind us of the legacy we carry and the impact we continue to make.
This week commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Great Miramichi Fire of 1825, one of the largest and most devastating wildfires in North American history. On October 7, 1825, a firestorm swept through northeastern New Brunswick, destroying entire communities and claiming over 160 lives. Nearly 16,000 km² of forest, one-fifth of the province’s woodlands, was lost.
The conditions that led to that tragedy – extreme drought, heat, and dry vegetation – mirror what we’ve faced this summer. But unlike 1825, we are not powerless. We are New Brunswick proud.
We are the frontline of a legacy that began 200 years ago. Where once there was devastation, today there is determination. Our work is a testament to how far we’ve come, and how committed we are to protecting what matters most.
How Far We Have Come
In 1825, there was no organized fire response in New Brunswick. Settlers and loggers relied on rivers and chance to escape wildfires, with little to no communication infrastructure and no coordinated evacuation plans. Aerial support was nonexistent, and communities were largely left to fend for themselves.
In contrast, 2025 reflects a highly coordinated and modern approach. Today, wildfire suppression involves integrated provincial and federal strategies, advanced patrols and surveillance, real-time weather and fire modeling, and dedicated aerial firefighting fleets. New Brunswick’s Wildfire Management Branch and FPL play a key roles in this system, working in close coordination with ground-based wildland firefighters to ensure fast, effective response. Together, air and ground teams form a unified front – delivering rapid containment and protecting communities across New Brunswick and beyond.
FPL began aerial fire suppression in New Brunswick in 1961, initially through sporadic service contracts. In 1975, we formalized a partnership with the Province of New Brunswick to provide annual, continuous aerial wildfire operations. Wildfires once burned an average of 12,000 hectares per year. Thanks to your dedication, innovation, and rapid response, that number has dropped to less than 500 hectares. In the first year alone, the average fire size fell from 20 hectares to just 4. Today, 46% of wildfires are contained to under one hectare, and 20% are under control within 30 minutes.
This is not just data, it’s impact. It’s lives protected, forests preserved, and communities saved.
When people see FPL aircraft overhead, they see reassurance. For many, they represent protection of homes, livelihoods, and the natural landscapes we all value. Our presence in the skies is a visible reminder that skilled teams are working hard to keep communities safe and protect what matters most.
Protecting the Economic Backbone of New Brunswick
Forestry is New Brunswick’s largest industry, contributing $3.8 billion to GDP and employing over 23,000 people. It accounts for 4.5% of the province’s GDP, with wood and paper products leading exports.
The forestry sector is crucial for rural and Indigenous communities, supporting jobs and cultural values. Crown forests provide half the wood for mills, but over 3 million hectares face threats from wildfires and spruce budworm, highlighting the importance of protection efforts.
Wildfires pose an increasing risk, making aerial firefighting essential for safeguarding natural resources, communities, and the province’s economy. This is a significant challenge that impacts us all.