Prescribed burns scheduled for this week in Northumberland County Forest to enhance and protect rare ecosystems

Cobourg, September 22, 2026 — Northumberland County will be conducting two prescribed burns in the Northumberland County Forest, planned for Thursday, September 24.

The two burns include one prescribed burn near Beagle Club Trailhead — which was originally planned for spring 2026, however it was rescheduled due to environmental conditions — as well as an additional burn location north of Dunbar Road.

These proactive controlled burns help restore and protect the rare ecosystems in the Forest, such as oak savannah, oak woodland, and tallgrass prairie.

When: Thursday, September 24, 2026 (dependent on environmental conditions)

Where: Northumberland County Forest

• Location 1 (Rescheduled from spring 2026): Near Beagle Club Trailhead in the Township of Alwnwick/Haldimand
• Location 2 (New location): North of Dunbar Road in the Township of Alwnwick/Haldimand

What to expect

• Temporary trail closures may occur at Beagle Club Trailhead during the active burn. Please check the Northumberland County Forest Facebook page for closure notices before visiting.
• Smoke may be visible in the surrounding area during operations.
• The burns will be managed by Lands and Forests Consulting, whose experienced team has developed the prescribed burn plan and will oversee all aspects of the operations.
• The Township of Alnwick/Haldimand Fire Chief has been notified of the planned burns, and County staff will remain in contact with the Fire Department on the day of the operations.
• All burns will be carefully monitored and conducted in accordance with established safety protocols.

Why do we do prescribed burns?

These carefully managed ground fires reduce excess vegetation and help control invasive plants, while supporting the growth of native species adapted to fire. Prescribed burning also helps reduce fuel loads, lower wildfire risk and increase sunlight reaching the forest floor, creating conditions that support healthy, diverse habitats.

Questions?

Contact Northumberland County Natural Heritage team by emailing forest@northumberland.ca.