Firefighters in Kawartha Lakes are currently contending with a fourth active forest fire, as per the Ministry of Natural Resources. The fire, initially identified as the OFR001 fire, started as a grass fire on Monday afternoon spanning five hectares. However, it has now expanded to approximately 35 hectares, according to a Ministry of Natural Resources fire information officer, Evan Lizotte, during a press briefing on Tuesday.
Lizotte mentioned that the fire remains uncontrolled, with firefighting personnel from the Haliburton Fire Management Headquarters mobilized to the scene, including five fire ranger crews and air support.
Despite the fire’s proximity to Prospect Road and Eldon Station Road in the Kirkfield area, Mayor Doug Elmslie stated during a news conference that no evacuations are required at present. However, road closures are in effect in the vicinity of the fire for safety reasons.
The city has assured residents that should an evacuation become necessary, resources such as community centers and public buildings are available. Additionally, emergency responders were promptly alerted to the grass fire in Kirkfield on Monday, leading to coordinated efforts involving fire crews, water bomber planes, and a helicopter to suppress the fire.
Further exacerbating the situation are the extremely dry conditions in the area, compounded by three other active fires alongside the OFR001 fire. HAL018 and HAL019 are reported as uncontrolled, while HAL016 is under control. Lizotte mentioned that HAL018 spans over 12 hectares, and HAL019 covers around 27 hectares.
Residents are urged to report any smoke sightings to the designated city hotline instead of calling 911. A citywide fire ban is currently in place, with a strict prohibition on drone operation within a nine-kilometer radius of the fire zones due to safety concerns and potential interference with aerial firefighting operations.
Mayor Elmslie highlighted the impact of an earlier ice storm on firefighting operations, citing challenges posed by fallen trees and debris hindering access to the fires. The city had declared a state of emergency following the ice storm, leaving thousands without power.
Vinny Gupta, an expert in fire safety engineering, emphasized the need for residents to fireproof their homes and communities given the increasing threat of wildfires encroaching closer to urban areas. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between local municipalities, federal, and provincial governments to enhance fireproofing measures for existing structures.
Meanwhile, in response to the prevailing dry and hot weather conditions, the city of Vaughan has enforced a fire ban on all outdoor burning activities, including the use of wood-burning appliances, until further notice. Similar bans have also been implemented in Oshawa, Newmarket, and Aurora.
The situation remains dynamic, with authorities continuously monitoring and updating residents on the evolving fire conditions.