Fire crews battling massive 27-hectare wildfire in Ontario’s cottage country

Fire crews are working to contain a 27-hectare fire in the Burnt River area of Kawartha Lakes. Authorities say evacuations aren’t necessary at this time.

Hundreds of firefighters across Kawartha Lakes and beyond are working to contain an out-of-control, fast-spreading forest fire in the Burnt River area.

According to city officials, as of Monday, 27-hectares of land is actively burning in a heavily wooded area where damage from the winter ice storm has created hazardous conditions.

For comparison, the blaze is around the size of 50 football fields.

“They are keeping it controlled to some extent but it will take some days to completely put out,” said Kawartha Lakes Mayor, Doug Elmslie to CTV News.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) confirmed on Monday that seven fire crews are working to contain the blaze.

• Active Wildfires in Canada

“Crews are making headway; however, hot and dry conditions persist, and the potential for wind could worsen the situation,” stated city officials on Monday.

The intense wildfire season in Canada is expected to be drawn out well into the winter, and already 7.3 million hectares of land from coast to coast have been scorched.

Since Saturday, Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service has been working to contain the blaze. Crews are joined by firefighters from Trent Lakes Fire Service and the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Haliburton detachment and Thunder Bay.

Aerial water support targeted the most active parts of the fire on Sunday. According to the City of Kawartha Lakes, tanker trucks are drawing water from local lakes to help crews on the ground.

An air attack is available Monday if required.

Provincial police say County Road 49 is closed between County Road 21 and Burys Green Road.

No evacuations have been ordered as of yet, but conditions are being monitored. The public is asked to avoid the area. A complete burn ban is in place.

Police are also warning drone operators to stay at least nine kilometres away from the active zone, noting that flying in the area is illegal and can endanger pilots and emergency crews.

If you see smoke, report it immediately to Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue at 705-324-2191.

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