The fire that prompted the largest evacuation in Algonquin Park’s history is now “under control,” according to fire officials at CFB Petawawa.

Fire Chief Barry Nagora said at a news briefing Monday afternoon, that “from a layman’s perspective the fire is out.”

He said an investigation is underway but they believe the fire was sparked by a lightning strike.

Nagora said the fire is deeply rooted in the ground and now crews must monitor the situation.

A second five-hectare fire continues to burn in a swampy area on the base.

Nagora said crews will not tackle the blaze, because there is a risk of detonating ordinances. Instead, he said the fire will be left to burn out on its own.

At its peak the fire on the base threatened to spread into the nearby Algonquin Park, with flames only 100 metres away from the eastern portion of the park.

Nagora said fires on the base are a “fact of life”, though thunderstorms are a concern.

In absence of any real rain that can saturate the ground, he said a storm that brings lightning could likely spark a fire so crews will be monitoring the base closely.

Follow Kristy Cameron on Twitter @1310Kristy.