Update on Fire Burning in Morewood Bog
WINCHESTER, Ontario – South Nation Conservation (SNC), together with its provincial and local partners, continues to support the Township of North Dundas as fire crews make steady progress on the wildfire at the Alvin Runnalls Forest within the Morewood Bog.
Fire Status & Operations
- The fire initially burned over 100 acres and was an out-of-control forest fire.
- Through sustained firefighting efforts and recent precipitation, it has now been contained to ground-level peat within the bog.
- There are no longer active flames in the trees as of Tuesday morning, and the fire continues to smoulder on and below ground.
- Firebreaks and ongoing suppression work have reduced the active burn
area significantly. - Ground operations will continue throughout the week, with water transported from a nearby quarry to maintain saturation.
- While the fire is not yet fully under control, significant progress has been made.
Environmental Context
The South Nation watershed remains under a Level 3 Low Water Condition, one of the most severe droughts in decades. Prolonged dry weather, a lack of precipitation, and reduced river flows have lowered the water table, leaving vegetation tinder-dry and peat highly combustible.
The Morewood Bog, a Provincially Significant Wetland, spans roughly 550 hectares (5.5 km² / 1,400 acres) of public and private land. Normally water-rich, its sphagnum moss and deep peat layers can smoulder underground for weeks once dry.
The fire has been contained within the public portions of the property and has not impacted any private lands.
Air Quality
Residents may still notice occasional smoke and haze. Those with heart or lung conditions should monitor the Air Quality Health Index and limit outdoor activity if smoke is visible.
Community & Safety
- No injuries have been reported, and there is no need for evacuations at this time.
- Provincial and municipal partners remain on-site alongside North Dundas Fire Services.
- Mutual-aid agreements with neighbouring fire departments are in effect, allowing other area firefighters to provide relief and respite to North Dundas crews who have been engaged in fire suppression for several days.
- The public is reminded to avoid the Alvin Runnalls Forest area and County Roads 3 and 7 to allow safe movement of emergency vehicles.
- Donations of food, drinks, or supplies for firefighters should be coordinated directly through the Township of North Dundas at 613-774-2105.
- Residents are also asked to refrain from activities that could spark additional fires while drought conditions persist.
South Nation Conservation thanks all firefighters, municipal staff, provincial partners, and community members for their ongoing efforts and cooperation.
SNC will continue to support the municipality and its partners to monitor the situation and provide updates as conditions change.
For media inquiries:
Todd Lihou, Corporate Communications Coordinator
tlihou@sdgcounties.ca | (613) 932-1515 x 1205
For the latest operational details, visit the Township of North Dundas website: www.northdundas.com