Grass Fire Newmarket - March 21, 2021

Yesterday Sunday, March 21st at 4:30 pm Central York Fire Services responded to a grass fire in the area of 395 Mulock Drive. The grass fire was at the(train tracks)on the south of Mulock Road, west of Bayview Ave. Upon arrival, the first-in-fire crew reported heavy smoke coming across the south side of Mulock Drive along the Tom Taylor Trail.

Due to the fact, the fire was located deep off the trails and into the dense brush, fire crews had a tough time gaining access. Thus, causing fire crews to carry in all the necessary forestry firefighting equipment to fight the fire.

The grass fire took several hours to control before it was fully extinguished at 8:00 pm. The extent of the burnt area in our opinion was about 50 acres. The burnt area was west of the railroad tracks, east of the Holland River, heading south to about Silken Laumann Drive.

CYFS committed six fire apparatus to this grass fire which consisted of 28 firefighters and one Chief Officer. In addition, Mutual Aid was initiated, Richmond Hill And East Gwillimbury Fire stood by in the fire stations in Aurora and Newmarket.

From a community perspective and impact, York Regional Police closed off the Tom Taylor Trail where fire crews were working. CYFS worked in collaboration with the Town of Newmarket Parks, York Regional Police and York EMS. No injuries to the public.

With respect to health and safety, all CYFS personnel worked hard through the hot conditions and are exhausted. There was one firefighter that was transported to the hospital due to heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation.

We do not know the cause of the grass fire was, whether it was train-related or otherwise. We may learn more as the incident is further investigated.

Photo credit Greg King Newmarket today.https://www.newmarkettoday.ca/local-news/grass-fire-closes-portion-of-tom-taylor-trail-in-newmarket-5-photos-3563596

By working together, sharing information, ideas and being engaged in our community we can achieve great things for Newmarket.

With gratitude,

Kelly Broome
Councillor - Ward 6
Newmarket, Ontario