Nearby Forest Fire Update

The Municipality of Highlands East is actively monitoring updates on active forest fires in the areas near Haliburton County. As of 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 10 there are no active forest fires identified in Highlands East or Haliburton County by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

For more information, please view the Ministry of Natural Resources Forest Fire Info Map. This map changes throughout the day to reflect up-to-date weather and fire information.

Important Information

• A total fire ban throughout the County of Haliburton has been in effect since noon on Tuesday, August. This includes the townships of Algonquin Highlands, Dysart et al, Highlands East and Minden Hills. This means no outdoor burning any time of day or night.
• In Ontario, a flashing green light means a volunteer firefighter is en route to an emergency in their personal vehicle. When you see a flashing green light on a vehicle, pull over and allow the vehicle to pass if safe to do so.
• If heading south: As of midnight last night, County Road 49 has been reopened. Emergency crews are actively monitoring and responding to a forest fire at County Road 49 and County Road 121 near Burnt River in the City of Kawartha Lakes. Please approach the area with caution and drive carefully. Please avoid non-essential travel in that area. For information about road closures, please visit Ontario 511.

How to Help

• It is illegal to fly a drone within nine kilometres of a wildland fire. Doing so disrupts air traffic, putting the lives of pilots and fire crews at risk. Learn more at ontario.ca/Drones.
• Waterbombers will be active today. You can help fight forest fires by staying clear of waterbombers. When waterbombers approach a body of water, move close to the shore so they can perform their scoop safely and effectively. If encroaching watercraft on a lake or river pose a safety hazard, waterbombers will not scoop. This can cause delays in effectively and efficiently suppressing a nearby wildland fire, which could put the safety of the public, firefighters, and other emergency service personnel at risk. Learn more about the safety rules in the airspace around active forest fires and how to stay safe on the water during waterbomber operations.
• To proactively protect your property from wildland fires, please visit the ontario.ca/FireSmart.
• If you see a wildfire or if you see a resident or visitor having an illegal fire, please call 911.