IMPORTANT NOTICE: City of Saint John replace associated to present wildfire dangers  

August 11, 2025 (SAINT JOHN, N.B) – As a comply with as much as current updates from the City associated to park and path closures and the provincial burn ban, we’re offering the next data primarily based on the present state of affairs, and questions we’ve seen from the general public. We will proceed to supply any additional updates as vital and vastly admire everybody’s efforts to assist hold Saint John secure.

Why is there a provincial burn ban in place?

The Government of New Brunswick issued a province-wide burn ban in response to the intense dry circumstances throughout the province and the extreme danger of wildfires. They have since additionally closed all crown lands to leisure and industrial exercise.

Details on the total provincial burn ban may be discovered on the Fire Watch web site.

Our area can also be below the specter of wildfires resulting from these extreme dry circumstances and holding our residents, communities, parks, wildlife, wetlands and leisure areas secure are most vital. It solely takes the smallest of sparks to start out a hearth.

Why has the City closed some parks and trails?

Recreational actions in parks and trails which can be in densely wooded areas present a fair increased danger for wildfires. These areas are extraordinarily dry proper now and the prospect of even the smallest spark leading to a hearth could be very excessive. Something as giant as a campfire, or as small as a cigarette being discarded on dry grass can have devastating penalties in these circumstances.

We are additionally asking the general public to chorus from any actions similar to tenting, ATVs on trails and any probably fire-inducing actions as an added precaution.

What parks and trails are closed?

The following City-operated parks are affected by the closures:

• Rockwood Park – All mountain climbing and bike trails are closed. Lily Lake stays open for swimming and water actions.
• Tucker Park – All trails are closed. The seaside stays open.
• Little River Reservoir – All trails are closed. The volleyball court docket and seaside stay open to the general public.
• Dominion Park – Remains open presently and shall be re-evaluated ought to the state of affairs evolve. 

City-operated canine parks stay open.

What actions are prohibited?

Fires (each wooden and propane) and BBQs are usually not permitted in any of our parks at anytime. Backyard fireworks and outside fires are additionally prohibited.
 

Are there fines in place for anybody who doesn’t adjust to the closures?

There aren’t any fines presently in place for City-issued restrictions round parks and trails. We are urging the group to stay vigilant and help the required measures we’re taking to guard our communities and residents.

The Saint John Fire Department has the power to difficulty a positive for non-compliance associated to outside fires throughout the burn ban. The minimal positive is $140 and the utmost is $2,100. 

What is the City doing about encampment websites situated in parks or wooded space? Are fires allowed at these websites?

City employees have been working with our front-line businesses and companions to develop a brief plan to help in serving to people dwelling in wooded areas to vacate till the burn ban is lifted. Agencies are additionally relaying a message of urgency and security to encampment residents to make sure their private security, and the safety of the areas the place their websites are situated.

Work on the non permanent relocations is underway and shall be accomplished as quickly as doable. 

Am I allowed to make use of my BBQ at dwelling and lower my grass?

Yes, you’re allowed to proceed BBQing and reducing your grass at dwelling. However open fires, hearth pits and yard fireworks are banned by the province.

What do I do if I see smoke or a hearth?

If you see smoke or a hearth, name 911 straight away and report it in order that Saint John Fire crews can reply instantly.

The Saint John Emergency Management Organization (SJEMO) is presently at a Level 2 partial activation, which suggests they’re monitoring the state of affairs carefully, working with the province for any updates, and shall be prepared to reply if required.

We are asking everybody to remember, be sensible and be secure, and thanks in your cooperation as we work to guard our group.