Rising Wildfire Risks from Bancroft – Threats Extend Toward Madoc, Marmora, Tweed & Quinte
- Small Town Productions
- Aug 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 13
Updates can be found at the bottom of the article in the Updates Below Section
Wildfire Overview
Recent maps of Ontario's wildfire activity show smoke and flame zones expanding eastward from Bancroft, with potential implications for surrounding communities including Madoc, Marmora, Tweed, and the Belleville/Quinte area.
Local Precautions and Restrictions
Municipalities including Tweed, Centre Hastings, Marmora and Lake, and Madoc Township are already under a full burn ban, prohibiting campfires, outdoor stoves, burn barrels, and similar activities.
Bancroft itself has previously seen fire bans remain in effect, with local officials citing insufficient rainfall and high fire-risk conditions for the reasoning behind enforcement and implementation.
Smoke and Air Quality Concerns
Wildfire smoke from Bancroft is possible in nearby regions while officials work to get the fire under control, prompting poor air quality warnings. Residents, especially those with respiratory issues, have been advised to limit outdoor activities and monitor conditions closely. Local fire officials urge that any new or suspicious smoke sightings should be reported promptly to 911, to rule out new fires.
Summary & Preparedness Tips
While there's no confirmed wildfire directly moving toward Madoc, Marmora, Tweed, or Belleville, the rapid spread of smoke and the established burn bans underscore the gravity of current fire conditions. Here's what residents in nearby communities should consider:
Stay informed: Watch for updates from provincial fire services and local councils.
Observe fire bans strictly: No open burning until authorities lift restrictions.
Have a plan: Know evacuation routes and prepare emergency kits.
Monitor your health: Keep an eye on air quality alerts and remain indoors if you're sensitive to smoke.
Report odd signs: Any new smoke or suspicious activity should be reported immediately.
In Summary
While the wildfire map signals a concerning trend near Bancroft and the Kawartha Lake regions, coordinated bans and vigilance are key defenses. Residents from Bancroft or the Kawarthas through to the Quinte region must stay alert, follow fire safety advisories, and prepare proactively.
Updates Below
August 11th, 2025: 2:25 p.m. – The MNRF has the HAL018 wildfire in Marmora and Lake completely surrounded, with crews working inward to fully suppress it. Expect more smoke in the area during operations. Drones remain prohibited, and residents are urged to keep clear of aircraft and nearby lakes. The township continues to recommend having a 72-hour emergency kit and plan ready.
UPDATE, August 10th, 2025: 9:15 pm: There are still two active fires in the Central Ontario Region. Both are not under control at this time. The Bancroft fire has officially reached Marmora and Lakes Township spanning 12.8 Hectares and the Kawartha Lakes fire by Burnt River remains at 27 Hectares in size
UPDATE, August 10th, 2025: 11:36 a.m: One fire in the Kawartha region is still out of control and is now 27 hectares in size. The fire in the Bancroft area remains at 11 hectares just north of Marmora and Madoc townships.
UPDATE, August 10th, 2025: 10:20 a.m: Two fires in the Kawarthas and one in the Bancroft area remain out of control. The provincial wildfire interactive map shows very little growth since yesterday, and fire crews are actively combating the blazes while monitoring conditions closely.
UPDATE: 11:11pm: As of this update the fire in Bancroft has grown to 11 Hectares. The water bombers dispatched to help combat the fire have made good progress but have to back off due to low visibility during the night.
UPDATE 9:13pm: There are currently 3 wildfires burning out of control in the Central Ontario area between Kawartha Lakes and the Bancroft regions.
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