Overview

• Reporters saw blackened trunks, ash-covered ground and an eerie absence of wildlife across more than 14 square kilometres.
• The fire, which ignited in early August, was declared under control on Sept. 2 and is now being monitored.
• Forest ranger Bob Amos described extreme crown-fire behaviour that became impossible to stop once flames reached the canopy.
• Ground operations used four excavators, 11 bulldozers and support camps as aircraft dropped water and retardant directed from a Miramichi “nerve centre.”
• Officials highlighted a wider trend, with the Canadian Climate Institute warning fire seasons are starting earlier, lasting longer and becoming harder to contain.