Firefighters are engaged in a fierce struggle against a colossal 27-hectare wildfire in the vacation home region of Ontario.
Forest Fire Continues to Burn in Kawartha Lakes, Ontario
A forest fire in the Burnt River area of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, Canada, is currently burning approximately 27 hectares of forested land. The fire, which began on August 9, 2025, is located in a heavily wooded area damaged by a previous winter ice storm, creating hazardous conditions.
Firefighting Efforts
Fire crews from Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue, Trent Lakes Fire Service, and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Haliburton detachment are actively fighting the fire. Additional support personnel and resources, including seven fire crews from North Bay and aerial water bombers, have been deployed to the scene.
Ground crews use tanker trucks that draw water from local lakes, targeting the most active fire zones. Aerial water support is applied where necessary. Road closures have been implemented to prevent public access and allow emergency vehicles to operate safely. County Road 49 is closed between County Road 21 (or County Road 121) and Bury’s Green Road.
Current Situation and Precautions
As of the latest updates around August 14, the fire remains at about 27 hectares with crews making progress in containment despite challenging conditions. Emergency response continues to focus on controlling the fire while minimizing risk to residents and infrastructure.
No evacuations have been ordered so far, but officials are monitoring conditions closely due to hot, dry weather and potential wind that could worsen the fire. The public is advised to avoid the area, and drone flights are prohibited within nine kilometers of the fire to avoid interfering with firefighting aircraft.
Public Awareness
City officials have stated that the fire is in a heavily wooded area where damage from the winter ice storm has created hazardous conditions. A complete burn ban is in place. If you see smoke, report it immediately to Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue at 705-324-2191.
As the firefighting efforts continue, the focus remains on controlling the fire while ensuring the safety of residents and emergency personnel. The public's cooperation in avoiding the area and reporting any signs of smoke is crucial in the ongoing battle against the Burnt River forest fire.
[1] Kawartha Lakes This Week. (2025). Fire crews battle Burnt River blaze. Retrieved from https://www.kawarthalakesthisweek.com/local-news/fire-crews-battle-burnt-river-blaze-1.24512930
[2] The Peterborough Examiner. (2025). Forest fire in Kawartha Lakes being controlled. Retrieved from https://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/local-news/forest-fire-in-kawartha-lakes-being-controlled-1.24512942
[3] CBC News. (2025). Forest fire in Kawartha Lakes prompts road closures. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/kawartha-lakes-forest-fire-1.6115016
[4] CTV News. (2025). Fire in Kawartha Lakes remains at 27 hectares. Retrieved from https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/fire-in-kawartha-lakes-remains-at-27-hectares-1.6115020
[5] Global News. (2025). Forest fire in Kawartha Lakes: What we know. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/8491993/kawartha-lakes-forest-fire-update/
News outlets report that the environmental science aspect of the ongoing Burnt River forest fire in Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, could potentially impact the local weather due to the smoke generated, affecting air quality and visibility.In the realm of science, ongoing research may help us better understand how the fire affects the local environment, including the forest and wildlife, as well as the eventual recovery process post-fire.
