Progress made in swamp fire north of Stratford

Crews have been working on extinguishing a peat fire in Perth County since the weekend. (Photo Credit: Upper Thames River Conservation Authority)

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority reports that they made good progress Wednesday in containing a fire at Ellice Swamp north of Stratford.

In total 11 fire trucks/tankers were used while battling the fire which has been contained to less than an acre.

Thursday, the Perth East Fire Department will again assist as UTRCA crews try to eliminate hot spots along the perimeter of the fire. The public is asked to stay away from the fire area.

Not much smoke is visible, but officials say the fire is being fueled by a layer of peat moss, which is very flammable when dry.

“This fire is particularly difficult to fight because it is in the soil,” said land management technician Brandon Williamson. “It can last and sit there smoldering for weeks and months even depending on how much rain we get.”

The smoldering area is about one kilometre from Line 46. Officials estimate 4,000 feet of fire hose is required to access the site, which is far from inhabited areas.

The cause of the fire remains unknown.