Updates can be found at the bottom of the article in the Updates Below Section SOUTH FRONTENAC, ON Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions Another fire has popped up in the Eastern Ontario region. This fire is located in the South Frontenac township, just North of Kingston. South Frontenac Fire & Rescue (SFFR) crews are currently on the scene of a large wildfire in the 1000 block of Rutledge Road. Mutual aid was requested from Loyalist Township Emergency Services (Odessa Station) and the Stone Mills Fire Department (Yarker Station) for additional manpower and tanker support. At 2:37 p.m., Loyalist Township Emergency Services reported they would not be responding to the Rutledge Road fire after encountering another wildfire while en route. Stone Mills crews remain committed to assisting SFFR at the original scene. Our Community Commitment 💛 As part of our dedication to helping those impacted, 80% of all funds we receive through subscriptions from this article will go directly toward fire cleanup and relief efforts  for this incident and affected residents. All Subscribers will also be emailed articles directly to their email of choice as they go live on our site Updates Below UPDATE 3:10pm: The South Frontenac Fire Department has closed Perth Rd south of Rutledge Rd while they work to combat the fire. UPDATE 3:39 pm: We have received reports that there is another fire underway on Mclean Rd. UPDATE 5:02 pm: Both fires in South Frontenac have been deemed under control and/or extinguished by SFFR (South Frontenac Fire Rescue). This includes the one on Mclean Rd and the one on Rutledge Rd. The fire is under control. Further updates will be posted as they become available.

Madoc, ON Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions On Sunday evening at approximately 7:34 p.m., firefighters from Centre Hastings Ivanhoe and the Madoc Fire Department were dispatched to a reported forest fire on Douglas Road in Madoc, Ontario. According to 911 dispatch information, the blaze is believed to have been ignited either by a discarded cigarette or fireworks. Crews are currently working to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further. No injuries have been reported at this time. Residents in the area are urged to remain cautious and report any signs of additional smoke or fire to emergency services immediately. Our Community Commitment 💛 As part of our dedication to helping those impacted, 80% of all funds we receive through subscriptions from this article will go directly toward fire cleanup and relief efforts  for this incident and affected residents. All Subscribers will also be emailed articles directly to their email of choice as they go live on our site We encourage everyone to stay safe, look out for one another, and take extra care in these dry conditions. A small act of caution today can prevent a tragedy tomorrow. Together, we can keep our community strong and protect the places we love. Updates Below (as they become available) UPDATE AUGUST 11TH, 2025: 8:33AM: Townsfolk heard sirens this morning, the township has confirmed they have not dispatched any fire services or put out any warnings, although they are on standby. It is possible it may be the MNR refilling on the lake to battle the fire in Bancroft

Link to Interactive map: Click Here 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. Our Community Commitment 💛 As part of our dedication to helping those impacted, 80% of all funds we receive through subscriptions from this article will go directly toward fire cleanup and relief efforts  for this incident and affected residents. All Subscribers will also be emailed articles directly to their email of choice as they go live on our site Updates Below 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

Environment Canada has issued a multi-day heat warning across Ontario, with daytime temperatures reaching 30 to 35°C and humidex values climbing between 35 and 40. Overnight lows will remain high, between 19 and 22°C, offering little relief from the heat. This prolonged period of extreme heat can pose serious health risks, especially to vulnerable populations such as older adults, infants and young children, and pets. Why Vulnerable Groups Are at Greater Risk Older adults often have reduced ability to regulate body temperature and may be more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Infants and young children can overheat quickly and require constant care to stay cool and hydrated. Pets are vulnerable to heatstroke and dehydration and should never be left unattended in vehicles or hot environments. If you have elderly relatives or neighbors, infants, or pets, check on them frequently in person or by phone and ensure they have access to cool, shaded spaces and plenty of fluids. Areas Under Heat Warning in Ontario The following 93 communities are currently under the heat warning issued by Environment Canada: Apsley – Woodview – Northern Peterborough County Bancroft – Hastings Highlands – Denbigh Barrie – Collingwood – Hillsdale Barry's Bay – Killaloe Bayfield Inlet – Dunchurch Belleville – Quinte West – Eastern Northumberland County Blind River – Thessalon Bracebridge – Gravenhurst Brantford – County of Brant Brockville – Prescott Bruce Peninsula – Sauble Beach – Tobermory Burlington – Oakville Caledon Chatham-Kent – Rondeau Park City of Hamilton City of Toronto Cobourg – Colborne – Western Northumberland County Cornwall – Lancaster Deep River – Whitney – Eastern Algonquin Park Dunnville – Caledonia – Haldimand Elliot Lake – Ranger Lake Espanola – Killarney Fenelon Falls – Balsam Lake Park – Northern Kawartha Lakes Fraserdale – Pledger Lake Gananoque – Mallorytown Geraldton – Longlac – Caramat Goderich – Bluewater – Southern Huron County Gogama – Foleyet Greater Sudbury and vicinity Guelph – Erin – Southern Wellington County Haliburton – Minden – Southern Haliburton County Halton Hills – Milton Hanover – Dundalk – Southern Grey County Huntsville – Baysville Innisfil – New Tecumseth – Angus Kaladar – Bannockburn – Bon Echo Park Kingston – Odessa – Frontenac Islands Kirkland Lake – Englehart Kitchener – Cambridge – Region of Waterloo Lindsay – Southern Kawartha Lakes Listowel – Milverton – Northern Perth County London – Parkhill – Eastern Middlesex County Manitoulin Island Maxville – Alexandria Merrickville-Wolford – Kemptville Midland – Coldwater – Orr Lake Mississauga – Brampton Moosonee Morrisburg – Long Sault Mount Forest – Arthur – Northern Wellington County Napanee – Consecon Newmarket – Georgina – Northern York Region Niagara Falls – Welland – Southern Niagara Region North Bay – Powassan – Mattawa Orangeville – Grand Valley – Southern Dufferin County Orillia – Lagoon City – Washago Ottawa North – Kanata – Orléans Ottawa South – Richmond – Metcalfe Owen Sound – Blue Mountains – Northern Grey County Oxtongue Lake – Fort Irwin – Northern Haliburton County Petawawa – Pembroke – Cobden Peterborough City – Lakefield – Southern Peterborough County Pickering – Oshawa – Southern Durham Region Picton – Sandbanks Park Plevna – Sharbot Lake – Western Lanark County Port Carling – Port Severn Prescott and Russell Renfrew – Arnprior – Calabogie Rodney – Shedden – Western Elgin County Sarnia – Petrolia – Western Lambton County Saugeen Shores – Kincardine – Southern Bruce County Shelburne – Mansfield – Northern Dufferin County Simcoe – Delhi – Norfolk Smiths Falls – Perth – Eastern Lanark County South River – Burk's Falls St. Catharines – Grimsby – Northern Niagara Region St. Thomas – Aylmer – Eastern Elgin County Stirling – Tweed – Madoc Stratford – Mitchell – Southern Perth County Strathroy – Komoka – Western Middlesex County Tamworth – Sydenham – South Frontenac Temiskaming Shores – Temagami Town of Parry Sound – Rosseau – Killbear Park Uxbridge – Beaverton – Northern Durham Region Vaughan – Richmond Hill – Markham Watford – Pinery Park – Eastern Lambton County West Nipissing – French River Western Algonquin Park – Lake of Two Rivers Westport – Charleston Lake Winchester – Newington Windsor – Leamington – Essex County Wingham – Blyth – Northern Huron County Woodstock – Tillsonburg – Oxford County Signs of Heat-Related Illness Heat Exhaustion: headache, dizziness, nausea, thirst, dark urine, and extreme fatigue. If these symptoms appear, stop activity immediately, move to a cooler place, and drink water. Heat Stroke: hot, red, dry skin, confusion, nausea, and loss of consciousness. This is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately. While waiting for help, move the person to a cooler place, remove excess clothing, and apply cool water or ice packs. How to Protect Yourself and Others Drink water regularly even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat hours usually between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Use air conditioning, fans, or visit public cooling centres, libraries, or community centres. Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day to block out heat. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors. Check on seniors, infants, children, and pets frequently to ensure they are cool and hydrated. Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles. Help Others Stay Informed You can help protect your community by sharing this information with family, friends, and neighbors, especially those who may be more vulnerable to heat. Encourage others to monitor weather updates from Environment Canada and local public health authorities. To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

NAPANEE, ON Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions Relief continues to spread through the Napanee community following news that 71-year-old Heather was found safe yesterday afternoon after being missing for three days. Heather was last seen on the morning of Monday, August 4, near Westplain Road by Lime Lake, sparking a large search effort led by the Ontario Provincial Police and supported by local residents. The search drew widespread attention, with community members checking properties, reviewing security footage, and sharing information online. Police confirmed yesterday that Heather had been located and was safe. She was immediately provided with medical care and is now recovering. Authorities have not released further details on where or how she was found, but her family and friends have expressed immense gratitude for the public’s help. The OPP thanked everyone who assisted in the search and reminded the public that swift action and community cooperation often make a huge difference in missing person cases. #HeatherFoundSafe #Napanee #LimeLake #CommunitySupport #LACOPP

Image Courtesy of: Eastern Region OPP #HeatherMissing #Day3 #Napanee #LimeLake #StillMissing #LACOPP NAPANEE, ON Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions It has now been three days since 71-year-old Heather was last seen, and concern is growing rapidly. Heather disappeared around 9:30 a.m. on Monday, August 4, from Westplain Road near Lime Lake in Napanee. Despite search efforts by the Ontario Provincial Police, she remains missing, with no confirmed sightings and no leads reported. She is described as 5’8” (172 cm), 155 lbs (70 kg), with short grey-brown hair, and was last seen wearing a red and white shirt with black pants. At Heather’s age and given the length of time she’s been missing, every hour matters. As each day passes, the urgency intensifies. Family members and other beloved neighbors who knew Heather are distraught. The community is being urged to act now! We need your help! If you live in or near Napanee, search your property, check your sheds and outbuildings, review any security or dash camera footage from Monday morning onward. Even the smallest detail could be the key to bringing Heather home. Please contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122, referencing case #E251044210 if you have any information whatsoever. Let’s not wait for another day to pass without answers. Please share this message. Let’s bring Heather home. To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

Image Courtesy of: Trent Hills Fire Department NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, ON Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions The Northumberland County Fire Chiefs Association has issued a County-wide Open Air Burn Ban, effective immediately, due to extremely dry conditions and ongoing wildfires across Ontario and Manitoba. Until further notice, all forms of open-air burning are strictly prohibited across Northumberland County. This includes: ❌ Backyard campfires and fire pits ❌ Burning of brush or yard waste ❌ Agricultural burns ❌ Fireworks ❌ Any outdoor fire appliances not certified by CSA Local fire services are urging residents to comply with the ban to prevent the risk of fire spreading in these volatile conditions. The public is also reminded to stay informed and watch for updates from their local municipality or fire department. This ban will remain in effect until conditions improve and authorities deem it safe to lift. For emergencies, always call 911. For burn ban updates and safety information, visit your local fire department’s website or Northumberland County’s official channels.

Image Courtesy of: Central Region OPP BRACEBRIDGE, ON Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions UPDATE: OPP have confirmed the 29 year old who committed the murders was found deceased in the house after a post mortem examination which showed death due to excess smoke inhalation Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a wanted individual following a homicide and house fire on Beatrice Town Line Road. On Friday, August 1, 2025, just after 8:00 p.m., police responded to reports of gunfire at a residence in the Town of Bracebridge. When officers arrived, they found a deceased male at the scene and the home fully engulfed in flames. With the support of the Emergency Response Team (ERT), Tactical Response Unit (TRU), and the Central Region Canine Unit, a search of the area was conducted. A shelter-in-place advisory was issued for residents and remained active until 1:45 a.m. on Saturday, August 2. Police have identified the suspect as Mitchell GRAY, 29, of Bracebridge. He is currently wanted for murder. Gray is described as a white male, approximately 5’8” tall, with light brown hair and facial hair. Investigators do not believe he poses an immediate threat to the public at this time. The investigation is ongoing and is being led by the Bracebridge OPP Crime Unit, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in cooperation with the Office of the Chief Coroner, the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, and the Office of the Fire Marshal. Anyone with information on the suspect’s location or who observes suspicious activity is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or call 911 in an emergency. To submit an anonymous tip, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Tips may be eligible for a cash reward up to $2,000. 🚨 Please Help Us Spread The Word Help spread the word. The sooner this information reaches more people, the sooner justice can be served. If you have any details or know someone who might, don’t stay silent — share this post and contact authorities. To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage and outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

#QWOPP #QuinteWest #SmallTownNews QUINTE WEST, ON Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions Investigators with the Quinte West OPP are asking the public for assistance following two separate break-ins at convenience stores in the area. The first incident occurred just after 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6th, at a store located on Front Street, near Radeski Street. Two masked individuals were seen leaving the closed store and fleeing the scene in a black vehicle. Police are also investigating a second, similar break-in discovered later this morning at a convenience store on West Street. No further details have been released about that incident at this time. Authorities believe the incidents may be related and are urging residents and businesses to check any available dashcam, doorbell, or security camera footage for suspicious activity in the area during the early morning hours. Anyone with information or video footage is asked to contact the Quinte West OPP at 1-888-310-1122 and reference incident number E251053300. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at crimestoppersquinte.ca. Please help spread the word and support the OPP by encouraging others to check any surveillance or dashcam footage they may have from the area. Every bit of information can make a difference! To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

NAPANEE, ON Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions The Ontario Provincial Police continue to search for 71-year-old Heather, who was last seen on Monday, August 4, 2025, at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Westplain Road near Lime Lake in Napanee. Heather is described as 5'8" (172 cm), weighing 155 lbs (70 kg), with short grey-brown hair. She was last seen wearing a red and white shirt and black pants. Despite ongoing efforts, Heather has not yet been located. The OPP are urging local residents to check their properties, sheds, garages, and any surveillance footage that may help in the investigation. Anyone who may have seen Heather or has any information, no matter how minor it may seem, is asked to contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122, quoting reference #E251044210. Please share this information widely and help bring Heather home safely To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

KAWARTHA LAKES, ON Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions A total burn ban  is now in effect across the City of Kawartha Lakes , with all forms of open-air burning strictly prohibited until further notice. The municipality’s Burn Hazard Index has been raised to its highest level — BURN BAN  — in response to dry weather conditions and an elevated risk of wildfires. Local officials are urging all residents to comply with the ban to help prevent avoidable emergencies. 🚫 What the Burn Ban Means: No open-air burning of any kind is permitted  — this includes campfires, fire pits, burn barrels, and brush burning. All active burn permits are suspended , including annual and agricultural permits. Enforcement is in effect  under By-law 2016-110, with potential fines and cost recovery for emergency response. 🔥 Why It’s Happening: Ongoing hot, dry weather has created hazardous fire conditions. Dry vegetation and high winds can cause fires to ignite and spread rapidly. This preventative measure is in place to protect the community and reduce the burden on fire and emergency services. 🧯 Important Reminders: Propane and gas appliances  (like BBQs) that are CSA/ULC-approved are still permitted for cooking use. Have water or an extinguisher ready  when using any heat source outdoors. Do not burn yard waste, garbage, or brush , even on private property. 🌐 Stay Informed: Check the City of Kawartha Lakes Burn Ban page  for real-time updates. Call the fire information line at 1-888-822-2225 (option #8)  for daily burn status. While this ban is specific to Kawartha Lakes, neighbouring municipalities such as Peterborough  may also issue or recommend similar restrictions due to shared weather patterns and fire risks. Residents in those areas should consult their local fire departments. 📢 Help Spread the Word Please share this notice with your community to ensure everyone is aware of the burn ban . Whether you're a permanent resident or seasonal visitor, we all have a role to play in preventing fires. To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage and outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

Shannonville, Tyendinaga Township Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions UPDATE: Fire is under control as of 11:32 a.m At approximately 11:15 a.m, the Tyendinaga Township Fire Department (TTFD) was dispatched to the 200 block of Queen Street in Shannonville, a small community within the Tyendinaga Township, The call involved a grass fire reported along this semi-rural stretch of Queen Street, which runs east–west adjacent to the Salmon River. The 200 block area features a mix of residential homes, open grassy lots, and riverfront land. The incident remains active, with firefighters on scene working to contain the fire. Residents and drivers are advised to avoid the 200 block of Queen Street near Shannonville to allow emergency crews full access and ensure public safety. Small Town News will provide updates as more information becomes available. Please remember to give first responders space to operate safely. To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6