Forest Fires

Every year, wildfires burn over three times more forest than is harvested by the forest industry in Canada. On average, fires damage over 2 million hectares (nearly 5 million acres) of forest every year nationally. New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Maine are fortunate that our climate results in fewer and smaller fires compared to many other regions of North America. Global warming will likely cause an increase in forest fires and size of fires, in our region and around the world.

While most forest fires in Canada are extinguished when they are still small, in dry and windy conditions, a fire can spread very quickly, growing to over 2,500 acres in just a few hours. May and June are when our region is at the highest risk of forest fires. After the snow melts and before the new growth is established, there is an abundance of dry fibre that can burn. The majority of large forest fires are started by humans.

The three key factors for effective forest fire preparedness are prevention, early detection, and having a quick response.

Our forest workers practice good forest fire prevention by keeping machinery in good working order, and clean of oil leaks and dry woody debris. We are constantly aware of fire weather conditions and we adjust our activities as the forest fire risk rises. To assist with early detection, we maintain strong internal communication (radio and cellular), high awareness, and additional aerial and ground patrol during high risk conditions.

J.D. Irving, Limited’s forest fire preparedness program is unmatched by any private landowner in North America. We regularly respond to calls for firefighting assistance from government and other landowners.