08/12/2025
The Ontario Federation of 4WD Recreationists (OF4WD) and the Camp NL Committee are actively monitoring the wildland fire situation to ensure the safety of all participants, staff, and the wider community.
The latest update on the Burnt River fire (HALO19) indicates that the fire remains at less than one-third of a square kilometer and has not increased in size over the past 48 hours. According to fire officials, the area is difficult to access, and current winds are pushing the fire toward wetlands, which will assist in controlling and ultimately extinguishing the fire.
Highway 49 remains closed to facilitate fire equipment deployment. We urge all travelers to plan their routes accordingly and use Google Maps or other navigation tools to avoid closed roads.
To further safeguard everyone involved, OF4WD and the Camp NL Committee have implemented several mitigation measures. Most trails originally planned for the 5 Points area will be relocated to lower-risk regions. Please note that the Dorset and Bracebridge areas are currently rated at high to medium risk due to recent rainfall, while the Bobcaygeon area remains at a high-risk level.
Two OF4WD member firefighters will be on site to provide education and instructions to all participants and staff, with a strong focus on fire prevention and hazard mitigation.
The Camp NL Committee will enforce a zero-tolerance policy for anyone who fails to follow the instructions and rules outlined during briefing sessions.
Rain is forecasted over the next several days, and we remain hopeful that conditions will improve. We will continue to provide timely updates as new information becomes available.
OF4WD president, Peter Wood, is in contact with MNR and other organizations to ensure alignment. Peter has shared the mitigating strategies for review to ensure nothing has been missed.
The OF4WD and committee will continue to monitor the situation and will act if directed by fire officials and governing agencies.
For the most current information on forest fire activity, please visit: Ontario Forest Fire Information Map and Smoke Forecast - https://www.lioapplications.lrc.gov.on.ca/ForestFireInformationMap/index.html?viewer=FFIM.FFIM&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwMFt1djbGNrAwW3QGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeJm2hfuH9Gn05nsK-MaX1Uj3HsdHH6gPwGlicWL5D51f-178oL-3rAFm1DYg_aem_yjqAxORx9m_CtntpWl-uwA
Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to safety.
OF4WD Executive Team & Camp NL Committee
