Kawartha Lakes Forest Fire Update – August 14, 2025

Kawartha Lakes — As of Thursday August 14, 2025, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) reports for 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. The fire is now classified as Being Held. This indicates that with currently committed resources, sufficient suppression action has been taken so that the fire is not likely to spread beyond existent or predetermined control boundaries under prevailing or forecasted conditions.

“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,” commented Jeff Bignell, Deputy Chief, Kawartha Lakes Fire 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. The fire continues to be classified as Out of Control. This describes a wildland fire that either has not yet been suppressed to the point where it is being held or a wildland fire not responding or only responding on a limited basis to suppression action, such that perimeter spread is not being contained

3. Please note there is a fire in the Head Lake area (HAL016) which involves 4.5 hectares of land, began August 8, responded to by Kawartha Lakes Fire and Rescue Service. It has been classified as Under Control for several days. This describes a wildfire that has received sufficient suppression action to ensure no further spread of the fire.

Hot weather conditions continue, with no rain received in the fire areas overnight.

Please continue to 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.

Mayor Doug Elmslie, Council and Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service extends sincere gratitude to the public, our dedicated firefighters, and our allied agencies 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.

Ministry of Natural Resources Stages of Control for Fires

• not under control (NUC): describes a wildland fire that either has not yet been suppressed to the point where it is being held or a wildland fire not responding or only responding on a limited basis to suppression action, such that perimeter spread is not being contained
• being held (BHE): indicates that with currently committed resources, sufficient suppression action has been taken so that the fire is not likely to spread beyond existent or predetermined control boundaries under prevailing or forecasted conditions
• under control (UCO): describes a wildfire that has received sufficient suppression action to ensure no further spread of the fire
• out (OUT): the final stage of control is OUT, which describes a fire that has been extinguished
• being observed (BOB): describes a fire which is being monitored to allow the natural ecological benefits of wildland fires to take place as they would in the natural environment without human intervention

 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. Please contact Corporate Communications for all media interview requests: communications@kawarthalakes.ca

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

Photo caption: Burnt River area fire (HAL019) crew briefing, August 14, 2025. Credit: City of Kawartha Lakes

Photo captions: Burnt River area fire fighters and Fire Rangers crews, August 14, 2025. Credit: City of Kawartha Lakes

Photo caption: Kirkfield area fire crew at morning briefing, August 14, 2025. Credit: City of Kawartha Lakes

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