A Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry official who’s investigating the Centennial Lake fire says the case is a reminder of how easily a fire can spread out of control.
Conservation Officer Guillaume Cloutier says the fire appears to have been caused by human activity. It started on an island on June 4 and spread to mainland, eventually covering about 43 hectares and forcing evacuations.
Cloutier says it speaks to the importance of people following rules, such as the ban on open-air burning that remains in place. Much of Ontario, including the Bancroft and Barry’s Bay regions, is in a MNRF Restricted Fire Zone.
“I think people can think, ‘it’s not going to happen to me, it’s not going to happen to us,’” Cloutier says. “But it really doesn’t take much. When there’s a little bit of wind and the soil is really dry, it can start up pretty quick.”
MRNF is asking for the public’s help in the investigation. It believes whoever is responsible was by a boat launch near Wolfe Rapids Road on the afternoon of June 4.
If you have any information, you can contact The MNRF Tips line at 1-877-847-7667 or contact your local ministry office. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.