Update: Gravenhurst wildfire

The Gravenhurst Fire Department and various supporting agencies have been battling a wildfire north of Beiers Road in Gravenhurst since Monday afternoon. 

“On behalf of council, I want to thank everyone who has played a role in fighting this wildfire,” Mayor Heidi Lorenz said. “This has been a true team effort, and we are so grateful to everyone who has helped.”

Firefighters had the blaze contained Monday night and since then have been dealing with multiple hot spots. 

Deputy Fire Chief Todd Clapp reported Wednesday they hope to have the fire out in the next few days, adding there is no threat to any structures in the area. 

He said the fire has been a tough one given the terrain is vast, dry, and remote. 

The 3.25-hectare scene is just north of 1436 Beiers Road – about 400 metres off the road. 

A neighbour in the area initially reported the fire around 1:45 p.m. Monday. 

Because the area is heavily wooded, firefighters have had to battle the flames on foot – without assistance from all-terrain vehicles, making for an arduous process. 

Firefighters from all three stations have been involved in suppressing the wildfire. 

Additionally, on Monday, firefighters from neighbouring Ramara and Severn townships helped at the scene. 

The Gravenhurst Fire Department also had assistance Monday from the Ministry of Natural Resources, which provided two water bombers. They made eight drops with water from nearby Morrison Lake. 

While Gravenhurst firefighters were busy dealing with the wildfire Monday, Muskoka Lakes firefighters helped by covering Station 1 in town. 

Tuesday, Gravenhurst firefighters had assistance from Muskoka Lakes and Bracebridge firefighters. 

Wednesday – today – firefighters from Huntsville/Lake of Bays, Bracebridge, Muskoka Lakes, and Georgian Bay helped on the scene. 

“We’ve had terrific support throughout this incident, and I want to commend everyone involved,” Deputy Chief Clapp said. 

Clapp said an unattended cooking fire in the wooded area caused the fire. He said the investigation is ongoing and that no further details about the cause will be provided at this time.

Regular updates since Monday have been available through the town’s social media channels and these will continue.

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