19-acre wildfire in Huntsville, a reminder wildfire season is still here

A firefighter is surrounded by smoke as crews work to contain wildfires in Huntsville, Ont.

Huntsville and Lake of Bays firefighters had their hands full last week putting out two wildfires.

A stubborn blaze broke out on Friday, spanning 19 acres in a remote forested area off Limberlost Road, according to fire department officials. Firefighters spent three days working to contain the fire before it was fully extinguished.

According to fire officials, another blaze spread around two acres on Stephenson Road 2 earlier in the week, on Tues., Oct. 14. The fire department says the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry called for its assistance, with crews working to extinguish the fire for a couple of days before it was under control.

Officials say no nearby buildings or homes were affected in either fire.

The fire department wants to remind the community that we’re not out of wildfire season yet. In fact, it says the lack of rain and crisp, fall air are ripe conditions for wildfires.

“While both fires are now fully extinguished, they serve as a good reminder that wildland fires can still occur well into the fall,” said Fire Prevention Officer Steve Markham. “Even when temperatures are cooler, dry leaves and vegetation can ignite easily under the right conditions.”

Fire officials encourage the public to follow all open-air burning regulations.