THUNDER BAY – WILDFIRE UPDATE – MAY 17, 2025 – 19:35 CDT – There were no new fires reported in the Northwest Region as of Saturday evening, offering some temporary relief for fire crews already stretched thin across the district. However, eight active wildfires continue to burn across the region—five of which are not yet under control, despite ongoing suppression efforts.
While recent cooler weather and scattered precipitation have helped reduce fire behaviour in some areas, much of Northwestern Ontario remains critically dry, especially in densely forested zones. The fire hazard level remains low across most of the region, with pockets of moderate hazard concentrated in the western fire management sectors.
For a closer look at your area, view the Ontario Wildland Fire Interactive Map.
KENORA 20 (KEN020) – Fire of Significant Concern
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Status: Not Under Control
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Size: 30,986 hectares
Fire behaviour on KENORA 20 remained minimal on Saturday, aided by damp conditions. FireRanger crews continued installing sprinkler protection on structures in Wabaseemoong, and further work is ongoing in Ingolf, where crews are maintaining hose lines and structural defence on both the east and west flanks.
A team of firefighters from British Columbia arrived May 17 and will be integrated into suppression operations in the coming days. Twenty helicopters are now deployed to assist with active fire suppression efforts.
Restrictions in Effect – Kenora 20 (Emergency Area Order EAO 2025-03)
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Travel is prohibited on Gundy Road, Pickerel Lake Road (beyond Pelicanpouch access), and Cygnet Lake Road unless authorized by permit.
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Waterways including Winnipeg River below Whitedog Falls, Eaglenest Lake, Tetu Lake, Rice Lake, Otter Lake, Macara Lake, and Longpine Lake are closed to public use.
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All Crown land use and occupation in the hatched restriction zone is prohibited.
📍 All persons must evacuate affected areas unless specifically authorized via travel permit.
KENORA 14 (KEN014)
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Status: Not Under Control
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Size: 1,617 hectares
Located approximately 12 km north of Wabaseemoong, crews capitalized on low fire activity to establish hoselines on the northeastern perimeter and prep helipads for new incoming personnel.
Restrictions in Effect – Kenora 14 (EAO 2025-03)
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Highway 525 beyond Wabaseemoong First Nation and lakes/waterways along the English River system (from Tetu Lake to Umfreville Lake) are restricted.
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Crown land use in the outlined fire area is prohibited without a permit.
FORT FRANCES 4 (FOR004)
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Status: Not Under Control
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Size: 3,593 hectares
Fire behaviour is reduced due to cooler temperatures, but suppression work remains concentrated on the southern flank. Structure protection continues on the northern perimeter, with more personnel and aircraft expected to reinforce operations over the next several days.
Restrictions in Effect – Fort Frances 4 (EAO 2025-04)
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Roads including Crooked Pine Road, Bjorkman Road, and White Lily Road are closed unless authorized.
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Access to waterways connected to the Atikokan River system is restricted.
Evacuation Alert – Fort Frances Fire Area
Residents and cottagers in the following areas should be prepared to evacuate on short notice:
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Camp 111 Road, Crooked Pine Road, Nydia Lake, Eva Lake, Crystal Lake, Sapawe Lake, Niobe Lake, Marmion Lake, Osinawi Lake, and surrounding routes.
✅ Residents are urged to:
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Prepare a go-bag
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Stay updated via ontario.ca/fireupdates
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Follow official evacuation directives without delay
SIOUX LOOKOUT 3 (SLK003)
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Status: Not Under Control
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Size: 1,849 hectares
Crews have now completed values protection in Saugeen and are shifting focus to tying in containment lines on the fire’s northern tip using heavy equipment.
Restrictions in Effect – Sioux Lookout 3 (EAO 2025-05)
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Travel bans include sections of Highway 516, Highway 599, and forest access roads such as Island Lake and Pintail roads.
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All access to lakes in the Savant–Marchington River system, including Kashaweogama Lake, is prohibited without a travel permit.
📍 This order remains in effect until formally lifted.
RESTRICTED FIRE ZONE REMINDER
As of Friday, May 16 at 12:01 a.m., a Restricted Fire Zone is in effect across large portions of the Northwest Region (Zones 2, 3, 6, 7, 8).
🚫 NO OPEN-AIR BURNING, including campfires, is allowed.
✅ Portable gas or propane stoves may be used with caution.
🛑 All burning permits are suspended until further notice.
For boundary maps and details on what’s allowed, visit:
🔗 Ontario Fire Updates
Public Safety Reminders
🚁 No Drone Zone:
Flying drones near active wildfires is illegal and dangerous. It endangers the lives of pilots and crews and may delay aerial firefighting operations.
🔥 Report a Wildfire:
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North of French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 310-FIRE (3473)
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South of those rivers: Call 9-1-1
