Township of North Dundas fire services are battling a 100-acre fire at the Alvin Runnalls Forest near Morewood. Firefighters have been on the scene since Sunday night.
At this time the fire is burning out of control but is isolated to the Alvin Runnalls Forest. No one has been hurt, and there is no danger to any structures. It is not known what started the fire.
North Dundas has initiated an emergency management response, and has been in close contact with its partners, including SDG Counties, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and South Nation Conservation. The township will decide later today if it must declare a state of emergency. At this time there is no need or plan to evacuate nearby residents.
However, individuals are being asked to stay away from the area of the Alvin Runnals Forest to allow for the safe transit of emergency vehicles. Firefighting activities are being complicated by the remoteness of the fire and challenges with respect to access.
Residents are asked to be mindful of activities that could spark a fire. Conditions in our region remain tinder dry, and North Dundas Fire Services are fully involved in responding to the forest fire.
Mayor Tony Fraser and members of council have been advised of the situation and they, along with emergency management officials and administrators, are actively monitoring conditions and remain in close contact.
North Dundas will issue another update on this situation by noon today. Please check our website and social media channels for regular updates.