A forest fire in the northern section of the City of Kawartha Lakes is now under control, while officials have implemented a burn ban throughout the region and in Haliburton County.
Flames have consumed more than 75 hectares of land about two km northwest of the community of Bolsover, which is situated about 45 km north of Lindsay.
Ramara Township fire chief Dave McCarthy says crews were fighting the fire all weekend. He says the blaze was likely caused by lightning strikes.
Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry assisted in tackling the fire.
While McCarthy says the fire is now considered under control, fire crews will remain on the scene until there is significant rain.
Ramara Township has now issued a burn ban.
On Monday afternoon, the City of Kawartha Lakes also implemented a burn ban.
A similar total burn ban has been issued for Haliburton County, encompassing the Municipality of Dysart et al, Township of Minden Hills, Township of Algonquin Highlands and Township of Highlands East. The fire chiefs of the county issued a joint statement on the ban on Monday afternoon.
“Dry condition, high heat, and the lack of forecasted precipitation has led to an extreme fire risk,” stated the release. “All permits are cancelled, all open fires and campfires are prohibited during the fire ban.”
More to come.