Total fire ban in effect for Kawartha Lakes, 'significant' forest fire
A total fire ban is in effect across the City of Kawartha Lakes as fire crews battle a forest fire in the Burnt River area.
The Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service (KLFRS) has been working to contain the "significant" fire since Friday, according to a news release posted to the city's website on Sunday.
Roughly 27 hectares are actively burning as of Sunday afternoon, the release said.
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No evacuation is necessary at this time, the news release said. Crews are monitoring the conditions and will provide an update on Monday.
People are advised to avoid the Burnt River area. County Road 49 is closed between County Road 121 and Bury's Green until further notice.
Aerial water support, including water bombers, is scheduled to continue on Sunday afternoon, targeting the most active fire zones, the news release said.
Fire crews from three KLFRS stations are on scene, as well as the Trend Lakes Fire Service and multiple Ministry of Natural Resources crews from the Haliburton detachment, the release said.
Additional resources, including North Bay crews, are being deployed to assist with the response.
"The fire is burning in a heavily wooded area, where ice storm damage has left hazardous terrain that makes hose deployment especially challenging," the release said.
"Safety remains the highest priority for all crews on scene."
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There have been three significant fires in the area in the past week and extremely dry conditions, which are straining firefighting resources, the release said.
Anyone who sees smoke is asked to report it immediately to Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue at 705-324-2191.
People are also reminded to not operate drones near active fire areas, as this is illegal and poses serious risks to aerial and ground crews, the release said.
This article was originally published for CBC News.
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Thumbnail image courtesy: Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry