Wildfire closes section of Route 8 near Miramichi
The department says the fire covers 65 hectares but as yet threatens no homes in the area
A wildfire has closed a section of Route 8 near Miramichi, the RCMP said late Friday afternoon.
The highway is closed between Route 450 and Oldfield Road. Russellville Road and McHardy Road are also closed and traffic is being diverted toward Neguac.
The RCMP are asking that people avoid the area, about 16 kilometres north of Miramichi.
The Department of Natural Resources said the fire covers about 65 hectares, an estimate reached using aerial images and satellite hotspots.
This is a larger area than the day before, when a spokesperson for the wildfire management branch said crews had been able to reduce the fire to 22 hectares.
Water bombers remain in the air and bulldozers are making good progress building a fire break around the fire, according to a statement from the department.
No homes are threatened at this time.
The department said the warm temperature and low humidity continue to be a challenge, and the next few hours would be critical.
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