2 days ago
Fire crews continue to battle Kawartha Lakes, Ont. fires
Fire officials say crews have not been able to contain the wildfire in the Kirkfield area of Kawartha Lakes, Ont. as hot weather persists, with no rain in area overnight.
The Ministry of Natural Resources has been assisting the municipality with the roughly 33.5-hectare fire that has been burning out of control since it began on Monday, the city said Thursday in a news release.
Dry and hot weather conditions led to four significant fires in the area in the past week.
The fire in Burnt River is still active, but it's now classified as being held, officials say. In a statement, Kawartha Lakes Fire Service Chief Jeff Bignell thanked crews that have been fighting the fire that began last Saturday.
"We sincerely thank all Firefighters, FireRangers, flight crews, emergency responders, Public Works and support staff for your assistance over the past several days. It has been a challenging operation, and we continue to work to suppress within the 27 hectare boundary," Bignell said.
Additionally, a third fire in the Head Lake area, which is 4.5 hectares in size, has been classified as under control, the city said.
The city is urging people to avoid the fire areas and said road 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, they're asked to call 705-324-2191 instead of 911, the release said.
The total fire ban across Kawartha Lake is still in effect.
