Evacuation orders, road closures, and travel restrictions in effect as extreme fire hazard continues

NORTHWEST REGION – Wildfire Report – Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) is reporting 13 active wildfires across the Northwest Region of Ontario as of 10:00 p.m. CDT, May 13, 2025. Among these fires, 8 remain out of control, while others are being held or monitored. The fire hazard remains high to extreme, especially in forested areas, prompting multiple evacuation orders, road closures, and travel bans to protect communities and support firefighting efforts.

New Fires Confirmed on May 13:

• Kenora 21 (KEN021): Indian Island, Lake Lulu (15 km west of Kenora) – 1.0 ha, under control.

• Sioux Lookout 3 (SLK003): Along Hwy 599 (Savant Lake to Saugeen First Nation) – 2,000 ha, not under control. OPP have closed Highways 599 and 516.

• Sioux Lookout 4 (SLK004): North of Mullen Lake (11 km east of Sioux Lookout) – 0.1 ha, being observed.

• Nipigon 2 (NIP002): Near Wildgoose Lake, south of Hwy 11 – 1.5 ha, not under control.

• Kenora 22 (KEN022): North end of Dogpaw Lake, east of Hwy 71 – 0.1 ha, not under control.

• Kenora 23 (KEN023): Near Big Island, northwest of Grassy Narrows First Nation – 0.5 ha, not under control.

Fires of Note:

Kenora 20 (KEN020)

• Location: Near Ingolf, now moving north toward Wabaseemoong Independent Nation (approx. 9 km SW).

• Size: Estimated at 8,000 hectares.

• Status: Not under control.

• Actions:

  • Evacuation of Ingolf completed (May 12).

  • Waterbombers and 4 FireRanger crews protecting area structures with sprinkler systems.

  • 3 heavy-lift helicopters arriving May 14; another joins May 15.

• Restrictions:

  • All travel, use of lakes, and access to Crown Land within the designated area is prohibited under Emergency Area Order EAO 2025-03.

  • Contact the Kenora District MNR office at (807) 456-2370 for travel permits.

Kenora 14 (KEN014)

• Location: South of Wabaseemoong First Nation, shaded by smoke from Kenora 20.

• Size: Estimated at 1,379 hectares.

• Status: Not under control.

• Actions:

  • 14 FireRanger crews reinforcing the south, west, and southeastern perimeter.

  • Winds pushing smoke northward, reducing immediate risk to Wabaseemoong.

• Restrictions:

  • Travel bans along Hwy 525 and key waterways in the English River system.

  • Crown Land access prohibited within the restricted area.

  • Travel permits required from the Kenora District MNR office.

Fort Frances 4 (FOR004)

• Size: Approx. 2,500 hectares.

• Status: Not under control.

• Actions:

  • Crews focus on protecting values in the north and suppressing the southern perimeter.

  • Air operations limited due to heavy smoke.

Extreme Wildfire Hazard and Safety Measures

With extremely dry conditions across most of the Northwest Region, residents and visitors are urged to use extreme caution during any outdoor activities.

• No Drone Zone: Operating drones near wildfires is dangerous and illegal. It puts the lives of pilots and firefighters at risk.

• Report a Wildfire:

  • North of French and Mattawa Rivers: Dial 310-FIRE.

  • South of these rivers: Dial 911.