Effective wildfire protection measures are crucial for maintaining forest biodiversity. If uncontrolled, wildfires can devastate ecosystems.
The impact of wildfires on our forests’ health cannot be underestimated. By implementing effective strategies and measures, we minimize the occurrence and severity of wildfires, preserve native flora and fauna, protect New Brunswick’s forests and maintain their ecological integrity.
Preventing Losses
Coordinated firefighting efforts among the Wildfire Management Branch, the Provincial Fire Fighting Centre, and Forest Protection Limited are essential to protect New Brunswick’s communities and forests. We ensure that aircraft, personnel, and equipment are readily available for quick initial attack response.
Embracing Technology
NB stays updated with emerging technologies like thermal scanning to enhance fire management efforts in our ever-evolving world. Technology aids us in early detection and efficient response.
Wildland Fire Reporting System
Behind the scenes, the robust Wildland Fire Reporting System contains vital data on forest fires in New Brunswick. This data isn’t just numbers; it’s a treasure trove of insights that help us understand trends, improve response times, and ensure public safety.
Interpreting the Data
Tracking forest fires is more than a statistic; it’s a necessity. Over the past decade, NB averaged 200 fires annually resulting in 340 hectares burned. In 2020, the challenge escalated due to dry weather with 462 fires consuming 1,389 hectares. These numbers underscore the importance of proactive measures.
Importance of Prevention
New Brunswick’s proactive approach to forest fire prevention sets a model for the rest of Canada. The strategies revolve around early detection, quick initial attack response, fuel management, and strong partnerships. New Brunswick has not experienced an uncontrolled forest fire in over 30 years, showcasing the effectiveness of preventive measures.
Protecting the Environment
Understanding fire trends isn’t just about safeguarding trees but protecting wildlife habitats, communities, and our environment. It also equips us to prepare for the impacts of a changing climate, which can exacerbate wildfire risks.
KEY FACTS
- FPL maintains a fleet of nine Air Tractor AT-802 air tankers, three Cessna C208 Caravans and six Piper PA-60 Aerostars for wildfire management.
- New Brunswick utilizes eleven aerial suppression reload bases to action wildfires quickly.
- The average wildfire size is 1.75 hectares in New Brunswick.
DID YOU KNOW
Approximately 43,000 department personnel hours are dedicated to fire suppression annually. In 2020, we demonstrated our commitment to protecting forests and communities by dropping one million gallons of water through aerial suppression efforts.
Excellence in Forest Management – Understanding our System: Dive deeper into New Brunswick’s commitment to protecting forests and the meticulous efforts behind it.