Final Update: Alvin Runnalls Forest Bog Fire Now Under Control
WINCHESTER, Ontario – The Township of North Dundas and its partners are pleased to report that the wildfire at the Alvin Runnalls Forest within the Morewood Bog is now under control.
Following a week of ground-level suppression, supported by recent rainfall and coordinated efforts from local firefighters, no visible signs of fire remain at the site. Monitoring will continue and public access will remain restricted until further notice.
Fire Status & Operations:
- The wildfire, which originally burned over 100 acres of forest and peatland, has now been contained thanks to extensive firefighting efforts.
- There are no active flames or smoke at the site. Emergency crews will continue to monitor the area closely over the next week.
- The municipality will end the State of Emergency.
The fire was fueled by extreme drought under Level 3 Low Water Conditions, one of the most severe in decades. The Morewood Bog, a Provincially Significant Wetland, features deep peat and sphagnum moss layers, which allowed the fire to persist and smoulder underground for days, even in the absence of visible flames.
The fire remained contained to the publicly owned portionof the bog and did not spread to any private lands.
Due to ongoing monitoring, fire investigation, and the hazardous conditions posed by underground hotspots and unstable terrain, there is no public access to this site.
The public is reminded to:
- Stay clear of the Alvin Runnalls Forest area and not access the public property.
- Avoid any outdoor activities that could potentially spark fires during the ongoing dry conditions.
SNC remains committed to supporting the Township of North Dundas and its partners in recovery efforts and environmental monitoring as conditions progress.
No further updates are planned. Please refer to the municipality’s website for more information: https://www.northdundas.com/local-government-bylaws/news-notices/township-responds-alvin-runalls-forest-fire