Wildfire conditions in the Kawartha Lakes region have improved significantly, with two ongoing blazes receiving updated statuses on Friday. The Haliburton 19 fire, which spans 27 hectares in the Burnt River area, is now classified as “under control.” Meanwhile, the Fire Region One blaze, covering 33.5 hectares in the Kirkfield area, is currently in a “being held” status.

The “under control” designation indicates that firefighting crews have successfully managed the fire to prevent any further spread. As a result, County Road 49, from County Road 121 to Bury’s Green Road, has reopened to the public. Firefighting efforts have been ongoing since Saturday when the Haliburton 19 fire first ignited. Five teams of water bombers and fire rangers have been deployed to assist in the containment efforts.

Mayor Doug Elmslie expressed cautious optimism during a press briefing on Thursday. He noted, however, that the region remains vulnerable due to dry conditions, stating, "We are one lightning strike away from being right back in the soup again." Elmslie also mentioned that the Burnt River fire is suspected to have been caused by a lightning strike from a recent storm.

Another fire that started last Friday in the Head Lake area, covering 4.5 hectares, has been under control for several days. The municipality has warned that resources are limited due to the ongoing firefighting efforts. "With fire resources fully engaged in these fires, resources are constrained," the municipality stated in a news release. They also emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for any fire complaints related to open-air burning.

No evacuation orders have been issued for residents in the affected areas. A burn ban is currently in effect across Kawartha Lakes and other municipalities, including Aurora, Newmarket, Vaughan, and Markham, following a period of heat and minimal rainfall in southern Ontario.

The Ministry of Natural Resources employs a series of classifications to assess wildfire risk levels. These statuses can change frequently based on a fire's behavior. A fire classified as “not under control” is one that is not responding to suppression efforts and continues to spread. The next level, “being held,” indicates that a fire is responding well to suppression and has stopped spreading or will only spread to a predetermined point. The “under control” status means that a fire is no longer at risk of spreading. Fires that have been completely extinguished are classified as “out,” while those that are monitored for ecological benefits are labeled as “being observed.”

For more information on wildfire classifications and management, residents are encouraged to visit the Ministry of Natural Resources' website.