Northumberland County is issuing a call for hikers and others who visit the county forest to be vigilant and prevent sparks as wildfires burn elsewhere in the greater Kawarthas region.
With the region classified as experiencing high to extreme fire risk, Northumberland County is reminding all who frequent the Northumberland County Forest to help protect the forest by taking steps to prevent fires.
Given the dangerously dry conditions, people are asked to take every precaution necessary to prevent a fire and respect the county-wide open-air burn ban announced by the County Fire Chiefs Association on August 6, a media release from the county noted.
“Our area is now considered a high to extreme fire risk due to current drought conditions, which have left the forest tinder dry,” said Todd Farrell, the county’s natural heritage manager, in a statement.
“One small spark — from something as simple as a cigarette butt or a hot engine — could start a wildfire that spreads rapidly. A potential fire wouldn’t just damage the forest; it could threaten homes, properties, and lives in our community.”
Open flames — including campfires, fireworks, sparklers, and flares — are never permitted in the Northumberland County Forest.
As a result of the fire risk, Northumberland County is keeping a close eye on the forest, said Kate Campbell, director of communications for Northumberland County.
“Forest staff have enhanced monitoring and surveillance activities, revised work plans to minimize proximity to dry vegetation, and are thoroughly assessing any equipment used in operations that generates heat, to minimize risk of ignition,” Campbell told kawarthaNOW.
The county asks those who visit the forest to take extreme caution to extinguish and properly dispose of cigarette butts, lighters, and matches, and preferably avoiding smoking in the forest altogether.
People should also be cautious using motorized vehicles or equipment that could spark, leak fuel, or ignite dry vegetation. Riders should ensure they have a properly functioning exhaust and spark arrestors.
“Northumberland County continues to closely monitor fire risk conditions and may consider additional precautions to limit risk as the situation evolves,” the release noted.
Local fire departments urge residents and visitors to immediately report any signs of smoke or fire by calling 9-1-1.
“No matter where you see or smell smoke, call 9-1-1 immediately,” Farrell said. “Quick reporting helps emergency services respond faster and protects our community. And remember — there is absolutely no burning allowed in the forest — now or at any time of the year.”
Elsewhere in the greater Kawarthas region, two of the three wildland fires burning in the region — HAL018 in Hastings County and HAL019 east of Burnt River — are “being held” (contained) as of Thursday (August 14).
The remaining fire — OFR001 south of Kirkfield — is still out of control but not spreading.
