Latest news with #DougElmslie
CBC
a day ago
- Climate
- CBC
Fires in Kawartha Lakes, Ont., have been contained
Officials say that the two active fires in Kawartha Lakes have now been contained. The Burnt River area fire and the Kirkfield area fire have been contained, now classified as being held, and are unlikely to spread under the current or forecasted weather conditions, the Ministry of Natural Resources said in the city's daily fire update. Hot and dry weather conditions resulted in four significant fires in the area in the past week, straining firefighting resources. In the statement, senior fire officials thanked fire crews for their efforts. "The scope of effort and dedication … has been immense," they said in the statement. The total fire ban across Kawartha Lake is still in effect. Kawartha Lakes Mayor Doug Elmslie said the fires continue to need significant resources. "Our fire service and partners have made tremendous progress under very challenging conditions, and I want to thank them for their dedicated efforts," Elmslie said in a statement Friday. "We all have a role to play in keeping our community safe," Elmslie said, urging residents to "please stay vigilant, follow the fire ban, and practice fire safety so we can build on the success achieved so far." The city is continuing to urge people to avoid fire areas and said closures remain in effect on County Road 49 between County Road 121 and Bury's Green, as well as along Prospect Road from 1304 north to 1375. If residents spot any smoke, the city says they're still being asked to call 705-324-2191 instead of 911.
Global News
4 days ago
- Climate
- Global News
Chance of rain in Kawartha Lakes as crews fight 3 active wildfires
Environment Canada is forecasting a chance of rain for Kawartha Lakes Wednesday morning as emergency crews continue to fight three active wildfires in the region. As of 5 a.m. Wednesday, Environment Canada is forecasting mainly clouding skies with a 40 per cent chance of showers and risk of a thunderstorm. The skies will clear this afternoon, the agency added, and temperatures will reach a high of 28 degrees. Ontario's forest fire info map currently shows three active wildfires blazing in the region, with the forest fire danger ratings listed as low. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Of the three fires, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry said Tuesday the largest fire, OFR 1, had consumed approximately 33.5 hectares of forest near Burnt River. Meanwhile, the Haliburton 18 fire burned through 27 hectares of forest, it added. Story continues below advertisement The third fire, the Kirkfield fire, had consumed five hectares and began on Aug. 11. 2:18 Kawartha Lakes forest fires 'not under control' amid dry conditions There were no evacuation orders in place, but residents were being asked to remain alert. 'There is a total fire ban in effect across the city of Kawartha Lakes and we will be policing that,' Mayor Doug Elmslie said Tuesday. 'If you see smoke, report it immediately to Kawartha Lake's fire rescue.' — with files from Prisha Dev
CBC
5 days ago
- Climate
- CBC
Fire rages in Kawartha Lakes as residents 'anxious' to see it end: mayor
Social Sharing Water bombers and firefighters "are making good progress" as they continue to battle a forest fire in the Burnt River area, said the mayor of Kawartha Lakes. As of Monday morning, Mayor Doug Elmslie said the Haliburton 19 fire "is not under control, but is being well managed." The last Elmslie said he heard was that fire crews were considering tackling the flames from the ground. "The last thing we needed was forest fires," he said. "We're anxious to have it ended as quickly as possible. So far, everyone is doing fine." However, Elmslie did caution that weather and wind mean the situation could change at any moment. As of Monday, about 27 hectares of forest are burning in the community northeast of Toronto, said Evan Lizotte, a fire information officer with the Ministry of Natural Resources. "Seven crews will be dedicated to this wildland fire today," Lizotte said. "Air attack was conducted on the fire yesterday and is available today if required." WATCH | Earlier this year, construction workers survived a wildfire by huddling in a shipping container: Workers survive wildfire by hiding in shipping container 2 months ago Officials say Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service, the Trent Lakes Fire Service and multiple provincial crews from Haliburton have been battling the blaze since Friday, according to a news release posted to the city's website on Sunday. The release said additional resources from North Bay crews were deployed to assist and aerial water bombers also targeted the most active fire zones on Sunday. There have been three significant fires in the area in the past week and conditions are extremely dry, which is straining firefighting resources, the release said. The city said the fire is burning in a heavily wooded area where ice storm damage left hazardous terrain, making hose deployment challenging. It's suspected that an electrical storm on Friday afternoon started the fire, said Elmslie. Mother nature has 'taken her toll': Kawartha Lakes mayor No evacuations have been ordered but the city is urging residents and visitors to avoid the fire area and has closed off County Road 49 between County Road 121 and Bury's Green Road. The Burnt River area, which is part of Kawartha Lakes, has a large wooded area, but is also is home to several farms and cottages, said Elmslie. He requests that anyone with plans to visit a cottage in the area reconsider their trip for the time being. If residents spot any smoke, they're asked to call 705-324-2191 instead of 911, said Elmslie. "There have been no injuries to either residents or to the fire crews and we want to keep it that way," he said. There is a city-wide total fire ban being enforced at this time. People are also requested to not fly their drones within nine kilometres of the fire for safety reasons. While residents have faced several environmental challenges this year, Elmslie said the community has been resilient and united. He said that he can't recall the city ever experiencing a situation like this in the past 25 years. "Mother nature has certainly taken her toll on us this year with the ice storm and the winter we had," he said
