Evacuations Ordered Due to Forest Fire Near Ottawa

Flames on the shore of Centennial Lake on Sunday. (Stacy Kenopic)

The Township of Greater Madawaska in eastern Ontario has requested that residents near Centennial Lake evacuate due to a forest fire that began on Sunday afternoon.

As reported by the township and Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, the fire ignited shortly after 5:30 p. m. Sunday on the south shore of the lake and covers an area between 45 to 50 hectares.

The ministry stated that the fire is currently not under control, leading to the evacuation of approximately 35 to 50 homes, although there have been no reports of any structures being destroyed at this time.

Firefighting efforts include water bombers and helicopters, while the cause of the fire remains unclear, according to the ministry. The township also mentioned support from nearby fire departments.

Areas under precautionary evacuation include Black Mountain Estates, Little Bay Lane, Snider’s Tent and Trailer Park, and Aird’s Lake Road beyond that park, as stated by the township on Monday.

Flames visible from the water as forest fire burns west of Ottawa

Numerous homes have been evacuated in Greater Madawaska following a forest fire that started Sunday afternoon.

Residents are urged to stay away from the area so first responders can do their work effectively.

If residents need assistance related to the fire, they can contact the township from 8:30 a. m. to 4 p. m. at 613-752-2222 or send an email outside those hours.

If your device is low on power or data, check updates on CBC Lite. It’s our low-bandwidth, text-only website.

Cottager Greg Carruthers told CBC he observed smoke rising across the lake Sunday as flames moved from a small island onto land. He decided to leave afterward.

“When I spotted it, it was just smoke, grey smoke after black smoke; then we started to see flames above the trees. I was on call with 911 at that time,” he explained.

WATCH | A video from Carruthers of the fire:

Watch as smoke rises over Centennial Lake in Greater Madawaska

A forest fire broke out in eastern Ontario’s Township of Greater Madawaska Sunday afternoon according to Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. (Greg Carruthers)

Smog warnings, advisories, burn bans

P>This message highlights poor air quality due to smoke originating from forest fires in both Ontario and Quebec impacting all areas across eastern Ontario and western Quebec.

This means individuals with respiratory issues or heart conditions should refrain from strenuous outdoor activities while smog warnings remain active,” Environment Canada advises.

If you’re in smoky regions-consider minimizing exertion levels during times when air quality is low; keep windows shut; utilize HEPA filters; wear well-fitted N95-type masks for filtering smoke particles.

An open-air burn ban has also been put into effect in Kingston due to reduced air quality caused by these fires,” said city officials Monday afternoon.

This ban affects all areas within Kingston’s municipality until deemed unnecessary by Kingston Fire and Rescue.

Last week saw record-breaking temperatures in Ottawa without any rain recorded at its international airport since May 24th.

This follows significant flooding experienced earlier this spring along portions of Ottawa River resulting from winter snowmelt coupled with late April rains.”

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