Wildfires currently ablaze in Kawartha Lakes, with firefighters fighting against dry weather conditions to contain the blazes.
Wildfires in Kawartha Lakes Under Control After Intense Firefighting Efforts
As of August 21, 2025, the wildfires in Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, are currently under control following significant firefighting efforts over the past week.
The largest fire, known as OFR 1, is burning near the Burnt River area and has consumed approximately 33.5 hectares of forest. Located approximately 200 meters east of Prospect Road and one kilometre north of Eldon Station Road, this fire is not under control yet.
Three active wildfires have been reported in Kawartha Lakes, with the Kirkfield fire being five hectares and beginning on Aug. 11. The Haliburton 18 fire has burned through 27 hectares of forest.
The firefighting efforts have been intense, with the use of water bombers and tanker trucks drawing water from local lakes, as well as coordination between City of Kawartha Lakes Fire crews and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) crews.
Conditions leading to the fires have included prolonged heat, dry weather, and damage from previous ice storms that complicated firefighting efforts due to hazardous terrain.
Measures taken to control the spread of wildfires involve a total fire ban across Kawartha Lakes issued by the Fire Rescue Service since early August due to extreme dryness and lack of precipitation, with zero tolerance for violations and fines for non-compliance.
No evacuations were ordered in Kawartha Lakes during these recent fires, and key roads such as Prospect Road have reopened after being closed during firefighting operations.
Officials are using the opportunity to remind residents to prepare for emergencies by having a household plan and a 72-hour emergency kit. They are also taking a zero-tolerance approach to any reports of open burning. Anyone who sees smoke is asked to report it immediately to Kawartha Lakes' fire rescue.
In summary, the wildfires in Kawartha Lakes are no longer actively spreading and are under control, supported by stringent fire bans, extensive ground and aerial firefighting, interagency cooperation, and ongoing community consultation for future emergency response improvements.
[1] City of Kawartha Lakes News Release, August 21, 2025. [2] Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources News Release, August 21, 2025. [3] CBC News, August 21, 2025. [4] Global News, August 21, 2025. [5] The Peterborough Examiner, August 21, 2025.
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