Firefighting efforts continue at two active fires in Kawartha Lakes

Correction: Initial MNRF reports noted the fire in the Kirkfield area (OFR001) as just WEST of Prospect Road. The Fire is EAST of Prospect Road.

Kawartha Lakes — As of Tuesday August 12, 2025, MNRF reports that there are two active fires in Kawartha Lakes. The Burnt River area fire (Haliburton 19) involves 27 hectares of forest.

A second fire began August 11, in the Kirkfield area (OFR001). It is 33.5 hectares and located just east of Prospect Road, and north of Eldon Station Road. Kawartha Lakes Fire and Rescue Service has asked for assistance from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. The Haliburton FMH are responding to the fire with three Fire Ranger crews and Air Attack. Five Kawartha Lakes Fire Stations are responding.

The public and media are requested to please avoid both fire areas to allow emergency vehicles and personnel to access the area.

With Fire resources fully engaged in these fires, resources are constrained. Any fire complaints for open air burning will be treated with zero tolerance.

Road Closures

• A road closure remains in effect on County Road 49 between County Road 121 and Bury’s Green until further notice. 
• Prospect Rd is closed from south of 1304 Prospect Rd to north of 1375 Prospect Rd.

Public Safety

• No evacuation is necessary at this time.
• Residents and visitors are urged to avoid the two fire areas to allow crews to safely continue working.
• A total fire ban is in effect across the City of Kawartha Lakes.

With four significant fires in the past week and extremely dry conditions straining firefighting resources, residents are reminded: 

• If you see smoke, report it immediately to Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue at 705-324-2191.  There will be a zero tolerance for burning of any kind.
• Do not operate drones near active fire areas. This is illegal and poses serious risks to both aerial and ground crews. 

Emergency Preparedness – for now and future

With ever increasing weather-related emergencies, it is important for all households to have an emergency plan and a 72-hour emergency kit available. Take a moment to prepare your kit today: https://www.ontario.ca/page/be-prepared-emergency

Learn more about preparing for Forest Fires on the Ontario.ca website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/forest-fires-safety-information

Stay Informed

• Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies
• Call 705-324-2191 to report a burning complaint
• OPP (outside Lindsay/Ops): 1-888-310-1122
• Website: www.kawarthalakes.ca
• Social: Facebook, @CityofKawarthaLakes X (Twitter) @kawarthalakes
• Radio: 91.9 FM
• Road closures: www.municipal511.ca
• Sign up for municipal alerts via Jump Inbox: www.kawarthalakes.ca/subscribe

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