Large fire that spread to woods under control near Musquash, N.B.

A fire broke out at a gravel pit in Prince of Wales, N.B., on Tuesday.

A large fire that started in a gravel pit and spread to the woods in the Prince of Wales, N.B., area is under control.

The Musquash Fire Department responded to the fire off Highway 1 around 4 a.m. Tuesday.

“Upon arrival at the scene, a gravel pit that is known locally as Simpson’s Pit, it was discovered that a large pile of stored blasting mats was fully engulfed,” said Lt. Roxanne Oliver, public information officer for the Musquash Fire Department, in a news release.

The pile is estimated to be roughly 30 feet high and 50 feet wide.

The flames spread to some nearby woods, but the fire department says responding crews managed to extinguish them quickly.

“There was minimal loss to the surrounding wooded area,” said Oliver. “An excavator has been brought to the scene by Coastal Transport to break down the pile of mats while the attending firefighters work to extinguish the fire contained within.”

There is no danger to any homes or businesses in the area.

The fire department says a dozen firefighters, two engines, a side-by-side, two rescue support vehicles and forestry trailers are fighting the fire in the gravel pit. The fire is under control, but crews expect it will be a few more hours before it is extinguished.

The New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources was also notified and is on scene.

“Musquash Fire would like to remind the public to be aware of the extremely dry conditions currently in our communities and to be extra careful with all ignition sources,” said Oliver in her statement.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

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