An out-of-control wildfire in Miramichi is 250 hectares in size as of Saturday afternoon.

It’s now nearly four times larger than it was on Friday, when it measured at 65 hectares.

According to the Department of Natural Resources, fire protection has been placed around several camps and a communications tower as a precaution.

Two separate fires ignited near St. Paul and Harvey, but they’re now under control.

A section of Highway 8 near Miramichi is closed between Route 450 and Oldfield Road.

Russellville Road and McHardy Road are also closed, with traffic being diverted toward Neguac.

The entire province is under a burn ban.

DNR says that’s expected to continue with high winds, temperatures and low humidity.

Two skimmer aircrafts from Quebec have been landing and scooping water from lakes.

People are asked to stay away for their safety and the safety of the pilots.