Forest fire threatens homes in South nelson area

Water bombers are dousing flames in woodlots in South Nelson area while Miramichi Fire Department units are fighting fires by hand that are too remote to reach by truck

This afternoon a fire started in woodlots in South Nelson.  James English of Islandview Drive posted videos of the fire on facebook and indicated that at 7pm the fires were too remote for fire trucks to reach, but that water bombers had been dousing the flames and the wind seemed to be moving the fire east.

Miramichi Fire Department crews set up a base on Islandview Drive, and are reported to begin accessing the hot spots on foot and with hand tools to beat back the progress.  The firetrucks are full of water and are stationed to protect home that may be threatened by the fire.  they also reported that the railway line would be closed to use at least for one day, and that the power lines int he area had been de-energized to allow access to the area.

English said his woodlot is about 100 acres, and he said he is unaware of the cause of the fire.

You can follow the progress of the Fire Department by listenint to their transmissions via our scanner page (LINK)