KAWARTHA LAKES-The Kirkfield area fire (OFR001) is now classified as “being held”. It involves 33.5 hectares, began August 11 and is located just east of Prospect Road, and north of Eldon Station Road. Kawartha Lakes Fire and Rescue Service has responded and is receiving assistance from the MNR.
“The scope of effort and dedication by all City of Kawartha Lakes Fire and MNR crews has been immense. We want to thank all City of Kawartha Lakes Fire personnel, MNR staff and crews, city staff, and all those that assisted us during these operations thus far. Moreover, we want to thank the public and local businesses for the substantial support and outreach during this trying event. Staff will continue to work tirelessly to contain and monitor the fire grounds as we work towards concluding operations.” said a statement from Shaun Moore, Kawartha Lakes Deputy Fire Chief and Brandon Mitchell, Platoon Chief on OFR001 fire.
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 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.
“Our fire service and partners have made tremendous progress under very challenging conditions, and I want to thank them for their dedicated efforts. While these fires continue to require significant resources, we all have a role to play in keeping our community safe. Please stay vigilant, follow the fire ban, and practice fire safety so we can build on the success achieved so far.” said Mayor Elmslie.
Please continue to avoid both fire areas 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.
With Fire resources fully engaged in these fires, resources are constrained. Any fire complaints for open air burning will be treated with zero tolerance.
Road Closures
- A road closure remains in effect on County Road 49 between County Road 121 and Bury’s Green until further notice.
- Prospect Rd is closed from south of 1304 Prospect Rd to north of 1375 Prospect Rd.
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.
Storm Debris/Brush Collection
Since the March ice storm, the municipality says it has been collecting brush that has been piled at the curbside in a systematic process from south to north, in urban and rural areas. All urban areas are complete, and most rural areas have been collected.
Here’s an interactive map for details. If your property has been missed in the initial collection, you can report it using the online Report It form: www.kawarthalakes.ca/reportit.
Emergency Preparedness – for now and future
With ever increasing weather-related emergencies, it is important for all households to have an emergency plan and a 72-hour emergency kit available. Take a moment to prepare your kit today: https://www.ontario.ca/page/
