Active Wildfires: 8 Fires Burning, 4 Not Under Control
THUNDER BAY – WILDFIRE UPDATE – The Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) reports no new wildfires confirmed in the Northwest Region as of the evening of May 18, 2025. However, eight active fires continue to burn across the region. Among them:
-
3 fires are under control
-
1 fire is being observed
-
4 fires remain not under control
Despite a stretch of cooler temperatures and intermittent precipitation, the wildland fire hazard remains a concern, with dry conditions persisting in forested areas. Fire hazard levels are mostly low, with pockets of moderate risk around the Kenora and Red Lake fire management zones.
Fires of Note: Intensive Operations Ongoing
🔥 Kenora 20 (KEN020)
-
Size: 30,999 hectares
-
Status: Not under control
-
Crews from British Columbia have joined suppression efforts.
-
Structural protection continues in Wabaseemoong.
-
Efforts include:
-
Establishing hoselines and helipads
-
Maintaining sprinkler systems
-
Laying hoselines on both west and east fire perimeters
-
-
17 helicopters are currently assigned between Kenora 20 and Kenora 14.
🔥 Kenora 14 (KEN014)
-
Size: 1,607 hectares
-
Status: Not under control
-
Focus remains on the northeast perimeter, with crews working on hoselines and helipads, and protecting nearby structures with sprinkler systems.
🔥 Fort Frances 4 (FOR004)
-
Size: 3,593 hectares
-
Status: Being held
-
Fire behaviour has significantly reduced due to cooler temperatures and low precipitation.
-
FireRangers are actively working to extinguish remaining hotspots.
-
✅ Evacuation Alert Lifted:
The alert issued on May 14 for areas near Fort Frances 4 has now been rescinded. Residents and visitors should remain alert, follow updates, and be ready should conditions change again.
🔥 Sioux Lookout 3 (SLK003)
-
Size: 1,849 hectares
-
Status: Not under control
-
Crews are establishing hoselines in priority zones, supported by heavy equipment and three helicopters to suppress the fire front.
Restricted Fire Zone In Effect for Parts of Northwest Ontario
A Restricted Fire Zone is now active across designated parts of the Northwest Region—effective May 16 at 12:01 a.m., to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.
Zone Coverage Includes:
-
Border areas with Manitoba
-
Regions near Weeskayjahk Ohtahzhoganeeng Provincial Park
-
Territories around Wabakimi and Quetico Provincial Parks
Restrictions Include:
-
🚫 No open-air burning or campfires
-
✅ Only portable gas or propane stoves allowed (used with caution)
-
🔥 All burning permits suspended
Full details, zone maps, and fire rules: ontario.ca/fireupdates
Safety Advisory: “No Drone Zone” Reminder
Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous and illegal. Unauthorized drone use endangers pilots and ground crews, delaying aerial fire suppression efforts. Stay clear, stay safe.
Report a Wildland Fire:
📍 North of the French or Mattawa Rivers: Dial 310-FIRE
📍 South of the French or Mattawa Rivers: Call 9-1-1
Stay updated with AFFES and Ontario’s Interactive Wildfire Map for the latest regional conditions.
