CHCO-TV Live From The News Desk: Wildfire Update

CHCO-TV anchors Vicki Hogarth and Nathalie Sturgeon were live at the news desk on August 25, 2025, as New Brunswick announced that most restrictions on Crown land would soon be lifted. Sturgeon also joined the provincial wildfire briefing virtually, pressing officials on the risks that remain.

The province confirmed that beginning 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, both industrial and recreational access to Crown land would resume. The restrictions, in place since August 10, were introduced in response to extreme wildfire conditions. While access is reopening, a provincewide burn ban remains in effect.

Premier Susan Holt thanked firefighters and support crews for their efforts and urged residents to remain vigilant. Natural Resources Minister John Herron emphasized that although restrictions are easing, several wildfires are still active and conditions remain dangerously dry.

Certain limits will continue. Timber harvesting is restricted to between 6 p.m. and noon daily to avoid the hottest and driest hours. Peat harvesting will also remain under earlier constraints, and municipalities will decide individually whether to reopen parks and trails.

From the CHCO-TV desk, Hogarth and Sturgeon outlined the measures while sharing data that highlights the severity of this season. So far, more than 2,200 hectares have burned — compared to just 186.5 hectares last year and a 10-year average of 395.5 hectares. The number of fires has also surged, reaching 293 to date, well above seasonal norms. Herron said the province will reassess conditions daily and warned that restrictions could return if new threats arise.

The anchors also relayed public health guidance, urging vulnerable groups — including children, seniors, and people with chronic heart or lung conditions — to take precautions when smoke levels are high.

By blending live desk coverage with direct questioning of provincial officials, CHCO-TV once again provided Southwest New Brunswick audiences with a clear line to the decisions being made in Fredericton — at a time when wildfire season continues to strain resources across the province.