Wildfire Readiness and Response
The woodlands we manage are part of the Acadian Forest, which is more resilient to wildfire by nature. While fires do occur, they tend to happen less frequently and less severely than in other forests across the continent.
During extreme to exceptional drought, there will be losses if a fire starts. However, forest health is a key factor in the extent of wildfires. Healthy managed forests, with less dead trees and less total fuel, are more resilient to wildfire.
We get a handful of small fires most years. What keeps them small is how fast we move.
Our staff and contractors log over 1,000 hours of fire readiness training annually. We monitor weather and fuel conditions daily. On high-risk days, operations stop.
When a fire is reported, a centralized alert goes straight to mobile phones across Woodlands—within minutes. From there, the system moves into action!
We maintain our own firefighting fleet: 7 aircraft, 7 airstrips, 37 firetrucks. From April through October, Forest Patrol Ltd. operates out of Juniper, New Brunswick. When the call comes in, the crew can be airborne in 15 minutes.
The aircraft fly 175 miles per hour (280 kms per hour). That puts them anywhere in New Brunswick in under an hour. Four AT-802s carry 800 gallons of water each (3000 liters). Two helicopters carry 300 gallons (1100 liters). The 37 firetrucks hold 1,000 gallons each (3800 liters).
On the ground, our network of maintained forest roads gives firefighters the access they need to reach fires and start suppression fast.
Rapid response, combined with forest management that reduces available fuel—that's how losses stay small— protecting the wood supply and keeping communities safe.
Wildfire safety
We can't stop every wildfire from starting, but we can reduce fuel, stay prepared, and respond quickly when fires occur. That work helps protect homes, communities, and the forest itself, part of our commitment to the land and the people who depend on it.