KAWARTHA LAKES-Some good news for local residents today.
The Burnt River area fire (HAL019) involves 27 hectares of forest, began August 9, and is located west of County Rd 49, south of County Road 121 and north of Bury’s Green. The MNR is responding with assistance from Kawartha Lakes Fire and Rescue Service. The fire is classified as Under Control, which describes a wildfire that has received sufficient suppression action to ensure no further spread of the fire.
Road Reopening: County Road 49 from County Road 121 to Bury’s Green Road will be reopened as of 12:30pm.
The Kirkfield area fire (OFR001) is classified as Being Held. This indicates that with currently committed resources, sufficient suppression action has been taken so that the fire is not likely to spread beyond existent or predetermined control boundaries under prevailing or forecasted conditions.
Road Closure
- Prospect Rd is closed from south of 1304 Prospect Rd to north of 1375 Prospect Rd. Please continue to avoid this fire area to allow emergency vehicles and personnel to access the area.
With Fire resources fully engaged in these fires, resources are constrained. Any fire complaints for open air burning will be treated with zero tolerance.
Ministry of Natural Resources Stages of Control for Fires
- not under control (NUC): describes a wildland fire that either has not yet been suppressed to the point where it is being held or a wildland fire not responding or only responding on a limited basis to suppression action, such that perimeter spread is not being contained
- being held (BHE): indicates that with currently committed resources, sufficient suppression action has been taken so that the fire is not likely to spread beyond existent or predetermined control boundaries under prevailing or forecasted conditions
- under control (UCO): describes a wildfire that has received sufficient suppression action to ensure no further spread of the fire
- out (OUT): the final stage of control is OUT, which describes a fire that has been extinguished
- being observed (BOB): describes a fire which is being monitored to allow the natural ecological benefits of wildland fires to take place as they would in the natural environment without human intervention
Public Safety
- No evacuation is necessary.
- Residents and visitors are urged to avoid the two fire areas to allow crews to safely continue working.
- A total fire ban is in effect across the City of Kawartha Lakes.
With four significant fires in the past week and extremely dry conditions straining firefighting resources, residents are reminded:
- If you see smoke, report it immediately to Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue at 705-324-2191. There will be a zero tolerance for burning of any kind.
- Do not operate drones near active fire areas. This is illegal and poses serious risks to both aerial and ground crews.
