UPDATE: Monday, June 6, 2023: 4 p.m.
Fire departments in Bancroft, Hastings Highlands and Addington Highlands announced total fire bans on Monday, as many large forest fires wreak havoc on the wider region.
A total ban means no open-air burning including campfires, brush piles, burn barrels, barbecues with natural-burning fuels, candles or fireworks.
Monday, June 6, 2023: 11 a.m.
More area fire departments are issuing total fire bans, as many large forest fires wreak havoc on the wider region.
Hastings Highlands announced a ban on Monday; as did Addington Highlands.
A total ban means no open-air burning including campfires, brush piles, burn barrels, barbecues with natural-burning fuels, candles or fireworks.
Hastings Highlands Fire Chief Bryce Robinson says it’s important that residents follow the rules.
He says with large forest fires occurring nearby – such as in Griffith and in Algonquin Park – the region’s fire resources are stretched thin.
A small fire department may not be able to access outside help if a local fire were to swirl out of control. He also says, while the air is hazy from fires throughout Eastern Ontario and Quebec, there are otherwise no current concerns in the immediate area.
“The air quality is poor, but if we can limit the amount of fires and stop people from burning unnecessarily, hopefully we can get through this stretch with little to no problems,” he says.
Fire near Griffith forcing evacuations
Precautionary evacuation orders are now in place around the Centennial Lake fire near Griffith.
Those areas include Black Mountain Estates, Little Bay Lane, Airds Lake Road, and Sniders Tent and Trailer Park.
The Township of Greater Madawaska says it in coordination with the OPP have evacuated the surrounding areas of seasonal residents with a 24-hour evacuation notice.
Greater Madawaska Fire and the MNRF are working together to assess the size of the fire and coordinate the use of water bombers to fight it.
The fire was reported on an island on Centennial Lake on Sunday afternoon, and it spread to shore. It is estimated the fire is now 50 hectares in size. A total fire ban remains in effect throughout the township with no open air burning allowed.
Smoke could cause breathing problems
It could be a difficult couple of days for people with breathing issues.
Smoke from more than 150 wildfires in Quebec is making its way into the area with Environment Canada warning of widespread smoke this afternoon and tomorrow.
The weather agency has issued a special air quality statement and warns it will likely be a concern all day Monday and Tuesday.
People with lung problems, the elderly, and children are being told to limit their time outside and reduce activity if breathing becomes uncomfortable or if you feel unwell.