Kawartha Lakes Forest Fire Update – August 13, 2025

Kawartha Lakes — As of Wednesday August 13, 2025, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) reports that there are no changes for the two active fires in Kawartha Lakes:

1. The Burnt River area fire (HAL019) involves 27 hectares of forest, began August 9, and is located west of County Rd 49, south of County Road 121 and north of Bury’s Green. The MNR is responding with assistance from Kawartha Lakes Fire and Rescue Service.
2. The Kirkfield area fire (OFR001) involves 33.5 hectares, began August 11 and is located just east of Prospect Road, and north of Eldon Station Road. Kawartha Lakes Fire and Rescue Service has responded and is receiving assistance from the MNR.

Hot weather conditions continue, with minimal rain received in the fire areas overnight. Recent cooler temperatures and cloud cover are helping and firefighters to make progress.

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.

Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service extends its sincere gratitude to the public, our dedicated firefighters, and our allied agencies and MPP Laurie Scott for their ongoing support and cooperation during this challenging time.

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. 

Attention members of the media

Respect the road closures in place at both fires. There is no safe or useful vantage point from County Road 49, and entering the road closure area puts both you and emergency crews at risk. Aircraft are still operating over the fire zone—media flights and drones are strictly prohibited for safety reasons. Fire personnel will not be giving interviews at this time.

Storm Debris/Brush Collection

Since the April ice storm, the municipality has been collecting brush that has been piled at the curbside in a systematic process from south to north, in urban and rural areas. All urban areas are complete, and most rural areas have been collected. Please see an interactive map on our website for details. If your property has been missed in the initial collection, please report using the online Report It form: www.kawarthalakes.ca/reportit.

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