Two forest fires in the Kawarthas region remain out of control as of Monday (August 11), two days after they started.
Crews are continuing to fight the two fires, one just east of Burnt River in Kawartha Lakes and the other in Marmora and Lake in Hastings County.
The Burnt Lake forest fire, which the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has labelled HAL019, started at 5:03 p.m. on Saturday. It grew from five hectares in size on Saturday to 27 hectares on Sunday.
While the cause of the fire has not been determined, Ontario Storm Watch posted on Facebook that a lightning strike was recorded in the area from a thunderstorm on August 8.
According to a media release from the City of Kawartha Lakes on Monday, MNR has seven fire crews on site working to contain the fire. The size of the fire remains at 27 hectares as of Monday.
“An air attack was conducted yesterday and is available today if required,” the media release states. “Crews are making headway; however, hot and dry conditions persist, and potential for wind could worsen the situation.”
While no evacuation is necessary, the municipality is urging residents and visitors to avoid the Burnt River area to allow crews to safely continue working. A road closure remains in effect on County Road 49 between County Road 121 and Bury’s Green until further notice.
The Hastings County forest fire, which the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has labelled HAL018, also continues to burn out of control.
Located on Crown land in the Municipality of Marmora and Lake south of Coe Hill in Wollaston Township and east of Apsley in North Kawartha Township, the fire started at 11:42 a.m. on Saturday and has grown from 11 hectares in size to 12.8 hectares as of Monday.
According to an update on Monday morning from the Municipality of Marmora and Lake, three MNR crews are on site fighting the fire. Water bombers used on Sunday have assisted in managing the fire on the ground. The MNR has a hose line around the fire, but the fire continues to burn.
“We ask that the public avoid these areas to allow our staff to conduct their operations safely,” states the MNR in a social media post. “If you see a water bomber approaching a body of water, please move to the shore to allow for a safe scoop. Any disruption in operations can lead to delays in suppression activities.
The MNR is also reminding residents not to operate drones within nine kilometres active fire areas. Not only is it illegal, but it poses serious risks to both aerial and ground crews. To avoid the risk of a collision, water bombers will not fly if a drone is in the area.
Complete fire bans remain in effect in both the City of Kawartha Lakes and the Municipality of Marmora and Lake.
