Fire Burning in Morewood Bog: North Dundas Activates Emergency Response
WINCHESTER, Ontario – Township of North Dundas fire services are battling a 100-acre fire burning within the Morewood Bog at the Alvin Runnalls Forest. Firefighters have been on the scene since Sunday night.
The fire remains out of control but is contained to public property within the bog. No injuries have been reported and there is currently no threat to nearby structures. The cause is not yet known.
North Dundas has activated its 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 fire is occurring in a peat bog during a Level 3 Drought, where prolonged dry weather has lowered the water table and created unusually dry, combustible conditions.
Residents in Morewood and surrounding communities may notice smoke and reduced air quality, especially downwind of the bog. Individuals with heart or lung conditions, older adults, and young children should monitor local Air Quality Health Index updates and limit outdoor activity if smoke is visible or air quality worsens.
There is no need or plan to evacuate nearby residents at this time, but the public is asked to stay away from the Alvin Runnalls Forest area to allow safe transit for emergency vehicles. Firefighting activities are being complicated by the remoteness of the fire and access challenges.
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 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 updates as conditions change. Please check the Township’s website and social media channels for the latest information.
Township of North Dundas website: https://www.northdundas.com/
For more information: Todd Lihou, Corporate Communications Coordinator
tlihou@sdgcounties.ca, (613) 932-1515 x 1205