State of emergency in North Dundas, Ont. as firefighters battle 100-acre forest fire

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North Dundas forest fire continues to burn

Scenes from the forest fire near Morewood, Ont.

State of emergency due to forest fire near Morewood, Ont.

Firefighters from the Township of North Dundas are battling a 100-acre fire south of Ottawa.

The fire broke out in the Alvin Runnalls Forest near Morewood, Ont., on Sunday night, according to the township.

“At this time the fire is burning out of control but is isolated to the Alvin Runnalls Forest. No one has been hurt, and there is no danger to any structures,” the township said in a media release.

According to the township, measures have been undertaken to limit the spread of the flames and the firefighting efforts have been successful in containing the fire to the forest.

“Currently there is no need or plan to evacuate nearby residents,” the township said in a 5 p.m. statement.

“Rain and showers are forecasted for Monday night. While the township anticipates that rainfall will help mitigate the fire’s spread, officials will not be able to determine how much of an impact the rain will have until Tuesday morning.”

While the source of the fire is unknown, police have begun an investigation.

According to the township, the remoteness of the fire has caused complications in the fire response. The township is asking individuals to avoid the area of Alvin Runnalls Forest to make way for emergency vehicles.

On Monday afternoon, the Township of North Dundas declared a state of emergency to better manage resources and respond to the fire.

“Residents in Morewood and surrounding communities may notice smoke and reduced air quality, especially downwind of the forest,” the township said.

“Individuals with breathing conditions should monitor local Air Quality Health Index updates and limit outdoor activity if smoke is visible or air quality worsens.”

The township has asked residents to be mindful of activities that could start a fire, given that the region is “tinder dry” and that fire services remain fully engaged in the current fire response.

“We have firefighters from across North Dundas here, looking after the situation as best we can,” Mayor Tony Fraser said in a video address on Facebook.

“At the township end, we’ve reached to the provincial agencies that would look after the challenges that we face, we’ve reached out to the ministry of natural resources, emergency management was involved, the provincial operating centre is involved, and as many of you may know, a declaration of emergency has already been made.”

Morewood is located 42 kilometres south of downtown Ottawa.

Vic Bakker who owns Cannamore Orchard, roughly seven kilometres northwest of Alvin Runnalls Forest, says she’s noticed smoke in the area but hasn’t been affected by the fire otherwise.

Bakker says the area is currently experiencing a “nice, gentle, soft sprinkling rain,” which she hopes will help the firefighting effort.

According to Bakker, her property is not in immediate danger and remains unharmed.

“We made an effort to clear out the dead brush,” she said.

“Touch wood, everything here is fine.”

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