KAWARTHA LAKES-Kawartha Lakes Fire and Rescue have been working overtime to rescue people who live along the Burnt River.
Platoon Chief Bill Lockwood told Kawartha 411 they had rescued at least three groups of people on Cedar Plank Road off of the 3rd of Somerville today. Lockwood says crews performed “ice water rescues” using large blow up rafts to bring people to safety.
They also rescued people from Northline Road north of Fenelon Falls and Crooked Court over the last 24 hours.
“About eight families have been assisted to leave their property. Any others who are choosing to self-evacuate are being assisted by emergency responders. Anyone experiencing an emergency should call 911.” the City stated on Monday.
One person died on Fell Station Drive near Burnt River. The road was flooded and crews had difficulty getting to a medical call. OPP Communications Officer Sgt. Jason Folz told Kawartha 411 News they are investigating the cause. “We are assisting the coroner with a sudden death investigation. The cause of death will be determined by a post mortem examination. This will be scheduled later this week.” Folz stated. “It would not be fair to say the death was caused by inaccessible roads.”
No other injuries were reported. Lockwood says the waters continue to rise.
Kawartha Region Conservation Authority (KRCA) has continued the flood watch for Balsam, Cameron and Sturgeon Lakes and the northern shores of Pigeon Lake. It does not include Lake Scugog or the southern portion of the Kawartha Conservation watershed.
The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) flood warning for the Gull River, Burnt River and Irondale River watersheds is in effect until Monday, April 22.
Residents say the Burnt River is at almost record high levels. Levels not seen since 1991.
