Burnt River Forest Fire Prompts Total Fire Ban in Kawartha Lakes
A total fire ban is now in effect across the City of Kawartha Lakes as crews battle a significant forest fire in the Burnt River area.
Fire Burning Across 27 Hectares
The Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service (KLFRS) says about 27 hectares of forest are actively burning. The fire, which began Friday, is in a heavily wooded area where ice storm damage has left hazardous terrain, making hose deployment difficult.
Officials say no evacuation orders are in place at this time, but conditions are being closely monitored. Residents and visitors are urged to avoid the Burnt River area.
Road Closures and Safety Warnings
County Road 49 remains closed between County Road 121 and Bury’s Green. Police and fire officials are asking the public to stay clear of the scene.
Drone operators are also being warned to stay at least nine kilometres away from the fire zone. Flying drones near wildfires is illegal and poses serious risks to aerial and ground crews.
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Crews and Resources on the Scene
Firefighters from three KLFRS stations are working alongside Trent Lakes Fire Service, the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Haliburton detachment, and additional crews from North Bay.
Aerial water bombers are targeting the most active areas of the fire, while tanker trucks are drawing water from nearby lakes to assist ground operations.
Challenging Fire Conditions
Officials say dry weather, combined with previous ice storm damage, is creating dangerous conditions. The downed trees and uneven terrain make it harder for crews to safely position and operate firefighting equipment.
There have been three significant fires in the region in the past week, placing added strain on local firefighting resources.
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Public Asked to Remain Vigilant
Authorities urge anyone who sees smoke in the Burnt River area to report it immediately by calling Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue at 705-324-2191. The total fire ban means all outdoor burning is prohibited until further notice.
More…
- https://www.overheretoronto.com/ontario-wildfire-update-rain-slows-red-lake-99-new-fires-reported
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/kawartha-lakes-forest-fire-total-fire-ban-1.7605530
- https://www.timminstoday.com/local-news/6-new-wildfires-confirmed-in-northeast-region-over-two-days-11056300
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