THUNDER BAY – Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services are reporting an uptick in wildfire activity across the Northwest Region, with five active fires confirmed as of 5:52 p.m. CDT, May 8, 2025 — four of which remain not under control.
With dry conditions and persistent heat driving fire danger levels, the wildfire risk remains high to extreme, particularly in the Red Lake, Dryden, Kenora, and Fort Frances sectors. Thunder Bay and Nipigon are facing a high to moderate hazard.
New Fires Confirmed May 8
Four new fires were confirmed in the region by early evening Thursday, and officials warn that more reports are under investigation:
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Dryden 4 (DRY 004) – Located at Borups Corners, about 41 km southeast of Dryden, this 0.1-hectare fire is not under control.
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Dryden 3 (DRY 003) – Burning just 0.5 km north of the Trans-Canada Highway near Ignace, this 1-hectare fire is also not under control.
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Kenora 14 (KEN 014) – Situated 3.2 km south of Caribou Falls Dam and 12 km north of Wabaseemoong, this 0.5-hectare blaze received air support from waterbombers on Thursday afternoon. It remains not under control.
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Dryden 2 (DRY 002) – Located roughly 6.6 km west-southwest of McIntosh, this 1.2-hectare fire also received aerial suppression support. It is not under control.
One fire, Sioux Lookout 1 (SLK 001), near Doghole Lake in Mishkeegogamang First Nation, has been declared out.
Current Fire Status Across the Northwest
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Active Fires: 5
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Not Under Control: 4
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Under Control: 1
Officials continue to monitor fire behavior closely and are ready to deploy additional resources as needed. The public is urged to stay clear of fire zones and follow local fire restrictions.
Public Caution Urged
With fire hazards climbing to extreme levels in several areas, residents across Thunder Bay, Kenora, Dryden, and Fort Frances are reminded to exercise extreme caution when outdoors. Avoid unnecessary burning and be vigilant with any spark-producing activity such as campfires or off-road vehicle use.
For the most current fire hazard information, use the Interactive Fire Map provided by the province.
How to Report a Wildfire
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North of the French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 310-FIRE (3473)
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South of the French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 9-1-1
Stay safe, stay informed, and continue to monitor local alerts as fire conditions evolve.
