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Home > News > Algonquin Park East Side Fire Closures

Status: Expired

Algonquin Park Evacuation and Closure Area Re-opens

Update Friday, August 3, 2012 at 11:00am

A decision was made to re-open the evacuated section of Algonquin Park on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at 7:00am. Park users are now entering this part of Algonquin Park. Currently, there are no known active fires in Algonquin Park. There have been a total of ten fires in the closed/evacuated side of Algonquin since July 19, 2012.

The following areas are now re-open in Algonquin Park:

All of Algonquin Park is open including all of the East Side access points and routes and trails.

Fire crews continue to monitor the entire Park and extinguish small lightning fires as they arise.

Conditions remain extremely dry in Algonquin and the surrounding crown land areas. For this reason, all of Algonquin Park remains under a Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) order and no camp fires are permitted under any circumstances within the Park. Failure to comply can result in substantial fines.

A reduction in the fire risk will require more than a rainfall on any given day and will likely require a substantial rainfall over a period of days to reduce the threat. Detection and enforcement flights will continue throughout the park and enforcement staff will be patrolling the campgrounds and backcountry for non-compliance with the Restricted Fire Zone.

It is extremely important to remain aware of the potential threat of fire while travelling in the backcountry. Backcountry campers should take extra care to adhere to their itinerary so that they can be located should there be a fire.

If you detect fire, alert Park staff as soon as possible.

The majority of park users have demonstrated a very high degree of compliance with the Restricted Fire Zone and Ontario Park staff appreciates the patience, cooperation and support that you have shown through this Park closure and evacuation.

More information about reservations for backcountry camping.

Past Updates

Update Monday July 30, 2012 at 4:00 pm

A decision has been made to re-open the evacuated section of Algonquin Park on Tuesday, July 31 at 7 am. Currently, there are no known active fires in Algonquin Park. The fire just outside the northern boundary of the park between Eeyore and Pooh Lakes is under control and expected to be extinguished by the end of the day. There have been a total of ten fires in the closed/evacuated side of Algonquin since July 19.

The following areas are now re-open in Algonquin Park:

The Basin Lake Road remains closed due to fallen trees and the work to clear it is expected to be completed by Wednesday, August 1.

Crown land areas will also be re-opened including the Barron Canyon Road and the road into the Warpath Trail.

Reservations for interior camping can be made by phone at 1 888 668 7275.

Conditions remain extremely dry in Algonquin and the surrounding crown land areas. For this reason, all of Algonquin Park remains under a Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) order and no camp fires are permitted under any circumstances within the Park. Failure to comply can result in up to $1000 in fines.

A reduction in the fire risk will require more than a rainfall on any given day and will likely require a substantial rainfall over a period of days to reduce the threat. Detection and enforcement flights will continue throughout the park and enforcement staff will be patrolling the campgrounds and backcountry for non-compliance with the RFZ.

It is extremely important to remain aware of the potential threat of fire while travelling in the backcountry. Interior campers should take extra care to adhere to their itinerary so that they can be located should there be a fire.

Update Sunday July 29, 2012 at 6:00 pm

Two new fires were detected today; one in the park and one just outside of it. The first was reported early this morning by our canoe rangers near Hogan Lake and a second one has been detected at the North end, just outside of the Park between Eeyore and Pooh Lake. The Hogan lake fire is being attended by MNR fire crews out of Haliburton and is currently not under control and the Eeyore/Pooh Lake fire is being fought by crews from Pembroke and is 'being held' as of 18:00. The fire detected yesterday near Raven Lake on the west side of the Park was fought by the Haliburton MNR fire crew and declared out before noon today.

Due to the extremely dry conditions, fire crews are facing some unusual challenges in fighting these fires. Wetlands, ponds and small lakes are drying up in the park and crews are having to run fire hose further than they normally would, sometimes more than a kilometre to get to water. In addition, of the more than ten fires that have occurred in the closed section of Algonquin Park, crews are finding that the depth of burn (D.O.B.) is ranging from 25 to 40 cm into the soil. This means that fires are burning not only into the roots of trees but under them as well. These areas must be dug down to the 40 cm depth and soaked with water to ensure that the fire does not smoulder underground and re-ignite after the initial attack crews have left the area.

For this reason, a large section of eastern Algonquin Park remains closed and includes areas accessed by the Sand Lake Gate, McManus Lake Road, Basin Lake Road, Bissett Creek Road and Achray Campground. Roads in this area are barricaded and there is no access under any circumstance. While Park staff are looking forward to opening the Achray Campground and interior sites, ensuring public and staff safety remains our prime concern. Your patience and understanding is appreciated.

All of Algonquin Park remains under a Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) order and no fires or open flame is permitted under any circumstances within the Park. Failure to comply can result in up to $1000 in fines. Reconnaissance flights in the park continue for detection of new starts and to monitor compliance with the RFZ.

The Basin Lake Road remains closed and work to clear it of fallen trees from last Monday's storm continues.

This closure does not affect the Highway 60 Corridor or other areas of the Park's backcountry, which are all fully operational. The West and East Gates of Algonquin Park on Highway 60 remain open as does the Visitor Centre, campgrounds and outfitters.

The Restricted Fire Zone Order remains in effect for all of Algonquin Park.

Updates to this website will be made at approximately 6 pm each day after reports from detection flights have come in. Any other related news or circumstances regarding the fire situation and the status of the closed section of Algonquin Park will be updated throughout the day, as needed.

The following areas are closed in Algonquin Park until further notice:

Map of the Fire Closure Area

Please note that this closure does not effect the Highway 60 area of Algonquin Park or other areas of the Algonquin Park backcountry at this time.

Further updates will be provided as they develop.

Update Saturday July 28, 2012 at 6:00 pm

Two new fires were discovered late this afternoon in Algonquin Park, one of which is within the evacuated (and closed) area. Water bombers were utilized on the fire in the closed area of Algonquin Park and a fire crew out of Haliburton is attending the new fire near Raven Lake on the west side of the Park. Both of these new fires are currently less than a hectare in size.

A fire in the north end of the evacuated section of the Park was called out and extinguished as of 18:00 today.

The fire on CFB Petawawa which originally triggered the evacuation of the Achray/Sand Lake Gate section of eastern Algonquin Park is now extinguished.

Reconnaissance flights in the park continue for detection of new starts and to monitor current fires.

The Basin Road remains closed and work to clear it of fallen trees from last Monday's storm is in progress.

Ontario Parks regrets this inconvenience, but the safety of campers and staff is a priority. Updates will continue to be provided daily at this location.

This closure does not affect the Highway 60 Corridor or other areas of the Park's backcountry, which are all fully operational. The West and East Gates of Algonquin Park on Highway 60 remain open as does the Visitor Centre, campgrounds and outfitters.

The Restricted Fire Zone Order remains in effect for all of Algonquin Park.

A large section of eastern Algonquin Park remains closed and includes areas accessed by the Sand Lake Gate and Achray campground. Roads in this area are barricaded and there is no access under any circumstances. The safety of the public and staff is our priority.

Updates to this website will be made by approximately 6 pm each day after reports from detection flights have come in. Any other related news or circumstances regarding the fire situation and the status of the closed Achray/Sand Lake Gate section of Algonquin Park will be updated throughout the day, as needed.

Update Friday, July 27, 2012 at 5:00pm

The rain received across the region on yesterday was light and insufficient to reduce the fire hazard rating from extreme.

Several fires are still burning throughout the evacuated area of Algonquin Park and surveillance flights are ongoing at this time. MNR fire crews are currently on site and fighting these fires in the park.

The fire on CFB Petawawa which originally triggered the evacuation of the East Side of Algonquin Park is under control with crews on site to attend to any remaining hot spots.

However, with several fires still burning in the evacuated area, it is unsafe to allow campers back in.

As a result, the East Side of Algonquin Park is unlikely to be open for this weekend.

Ontario Parks regrets this inconvenience, but the safety of campers and staff is a priority. Updates will continue to be provided daily at this location.

Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 11:00am

The rain received in the last 24 hours in Algonquin Park was sporadic (.5mm to 9mm depending on location) and insufficient to reduce the fire hazard rating.

Several fires are still burning throughout the closed and evacuated area of Algonquin Park. These new fires are slightly larger (up to 1 hectare) and burning deeper (up to 40 centimetres) than previously discovered fires. Ministry of Natural Resources fire crews are fighting these fires on a priority basis.

Low cloud cover is hampering the use of aircraft today. Aerial detection flights are planned for later today but are weather dependent.

The fire on Canadian Forces Base Petawawa which originally triggered the evacuation of the East Side of Algonquin Park is under control and being mopped up. However, with several fires still burning in the evacuated area, it is unsafe to allow campers back in.

As a result, the East Side of Algonquin Park will not be opened for Friday July 27, 2012 and is unlikely to be opened for this weekend.

Ontario Parks regrets this inconvenience, but the safety of campers and staff is a priority. Updates will continue to be provided daily at this location.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 6:00pm

Six new fires were discovered this afternoon (Wednesday, July 25, 2012) in Algonquin Park, five of which are within the evacuated (and closed) area. These are in addition to seven new fires outside the Park in neighbouring districts. Fire crews are attacking these fires on a priority basis, including the use of water bombers.

This new development requires careful re-evaluation of any decisions around re-opening the East Side closure area. Forecasted rain is expected to help the situation, if it comes as predicted and in sufficient amounts.

Park staff are committed to keep the public up-to-date and will provide updates daily. The safety of campers and staff is paramount.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 11:00am

Four forest fires have been detected in Algonquin Park over the last 36 hours, all of which have been extinguished by Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources fire crews. Aerial detection flights will continue this week. The fire on Canadian Forces Base Petawawa is well contained and poses minimal risk of escape.

The Basin Road is still blocked by downed trees.

At this time Park staff are optimistic that the East Side of Algonquin Park will be re-opened on Friday, July 27, 2012, subject to the results of aerial detection flights occurring later today.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at 5:00pm

Survey flights over Algonquin Park today discovered an additional two lightning strike fires which are currently being attended by Ministry of Natural Resources crews. Lightning fires may take several days to produce smoke, and additional aerial detection flights will continue through the week.

The fire on Canadian Forces Base Petawawa is well contained and a minimal risk; staff hope to have the fire completely extinguished this week.

Localized but extensive wind damage occurred yesterday as a result of the storm. The Basin Road is currently blocked by blown down trees. Staff are continuing to evaluate damage and access.

The East Side of Algonquin Park will re-open as soon as it can be established that it is safe to do so. An update will also be provided tomorrow morning.

The East Side closure does not affect the Highway 60 Corridor of Algonquin Park or other areas of the Park Backcountry.

The Restricted Fire Zone Order remains in effect for all of Algonquin Park, and fires are prohibited.

A road block is located on County Road 28 near the Algonquin Portage Store (Schinke's store). At this time it is unknown how long the road closure and East Side closure will be in place.

Ontario Parks is issuing refunds for cancelled reservations fees. Park visitors wishing to change their reservations in the East Side area should contact Ontario Parks Reservations at 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275) or (519) 826-5290 for outside of North America.