Kawartha Lakes Forest Fire Update – August 18 2025, 12pm

Kawartha Lakes — As of Monday August 18, 2025, 12pm, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) reports for fires in Kawartha Lakes:

The Burnt River area fire (HAL019) is classified as Under Control, which describes a wildfire that has received sufficient suppression action to ensure no further spread of the fire.

The Kirkfield area fire (OFR001) is classified as Under Control, which describes a wildfire that has received sufficient suppression action to ensure no further spread of the fire.

Road Reopened

• Prospect Rd is now open

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

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.
• 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. 

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

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Media Inquiries

Please note: Fire personnel will not be giving interviews at this time. Please contact Corporate Communications for all other media requests: communications@kawarthalakes.ca

MNR Communications:
Evan Lizotte, Fire Information Officer
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES)
Northeast Region Forest Fire Management Centre – Sudbury
705-564-6146 Evan.Lizotte@Ontario.ca