Emergency crews in Kawartha Lakes are actively engaged in combating a significant forest fire that has developed in the Burnt River area. As of Sunday evening, the fire has expanded to an alarming size of 27 hectares since it was first reported on Friday, indicating the urgency and scale of the situation.
According to local officials, aerial water support is being deployed to assist in fighting the flames. This includes the utilization of water bombers aimed at targeting the most active fire zones, which are critical to controlling the situation. On the ground, tanker trucks are drawing water from nearby lakes to supplement the firefighting efforts as crews work tirelessly to contain the blaze.
The fire is primarily situated in a heavily wooded region that has been adversely affected by previous ice storm damage. This has created hazardous terrain conditions, making the deployment of hoses and other firefighting equipment particularly challenging for the crews on the ground. The difficult terrain has raised concerns about the safety and efficiency of the firefighting operations.
As of now, no evacuation order has been issued for residents of the area, but firefighting authorities are diligently monitoring the evolving situation. They have indicated that they will provide another update on Monday, August 11, 2025, to keep the public informed and aware of any developments regarding the fire.
Officials are urging both residents and visitors to avoid the Burnt River area in light of the active fire situation. In conjunction with these warnings, a road closure has been put into effect on County Road 49, specifically between County Road 121 and Bury’s Green, to ensure the safety of the public and facilitate firefighting efforts.
This forest fire marks the third significant blaze to erupt in the Kawartha Lakes region within the past week, exacerbating an already tense situation. The extremely dry conditions prevailing in the area have greatly strained firefighting resources, compelling authorities to declare a total fire ban across Kawartha Lakes. This prohibition aims to reduce the risk of new fires igniting during an already precarious time.
Officials have requested that if anyone spots smoke, they should immediately report it to Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue by calling 705-324-2191. Additionally, they have emphasized the dangers associated with operating drones near active fire areas, labeling such actions as illegal due to the serious risks they pose to both aerial firefighting resources and ground crews working to control the fires.
