Thunder Bay – WILDFIRE REPORT – NETNEWSLEDGER – As of 8:40 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) is reporting 10 active wildfires across the Northwest Fire Region of Ontario. Of these, 2 are under control, 1 is being observed, and 7 remain not under control.
The day brought three new fire starts, all of which are actively being fought under increasingly challenging conditions.
🔥 New Wildfires Confirmed May 20
Dryden 7 (DRY007)
Located near the eastern shoreline of Sandal Lake, approximately 2 kilometres north of Highway 17, this fire currently measures 1.5 hectares and is not under control.
CL415 waterbombers and birddog aircraft were dispatched and remain on the scene, supporting initial suppression efforts from the air.
Thunder Bay 7 (THU007)
A small 0.1-hectare blaze located approximately 3 kilometres west of Kabitotikwia River Provincial Park. This fire remains not under control as ground crews continue suppression efforts.
Thunder Bay 8 (THU008)
Spanning 0.8 hectares, this fire is situated roughly 8 kilometres north of the East Firesteel River, near Muriel Lake. It is also not under control, with efforts underway to contain its spread.
📈 Wildland Fire Hazard Conditions
The fire hazard level in the Northwest Region is increasingly concerning. While the eastern portion of the region maintains low to moderate risk, much of the western half is experiencing high to extreme hazard levels, especially in the Red Lake and Kenora fire management sectors. Despite cooler temperatures and scattered precipitation earlier this week, the forest floor remains critically dry, amplifying the potential for rapid fire spread.
Residents and land users are encouraged to monitor conditions via the Interactive Fire Hazard Map for localized updates.
🔥 Fires of Note
Kenora 20 (KEN020)
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Size: 31,276 hectares (remapped)
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Status: Not under control
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Current Activity: Escalating fire behaviour driven by eastern winds, rising temperatures, and low relative humidity
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Response: Crews from Ontario and British Columbia are actively engaged in suppression, setting up hose lines, helipads, and structure protection for nearby communities.
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Heavy helicopters continue to target active zones, with infrared scanning identifying underground hotspots and guiding crew deployment.
Kenora 14 (KEN014)
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Size: 1,607 hectares
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Status: Not under control
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Progress: Crews have made notable headway establishing hose lines on the eastern perimeter today.
Fort Frances 4 (FOR004)
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Size: 3,593 hectares
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Status: Under control
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Update: The fire remains stable with no recent growth and minimal fire activity. Crews are focusing on spot extinguishment and monitoring.
Sioux Lookout 3 (SLK003)
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Size: 1,849 hectares
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Status: Not under control
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Response: Hose line installation continues with support from heavy equipment.
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Infrared scans are planned to detect hidden hotspots.
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Note: An updated Implementation Order is now in effect for the surrounding area. Residents and land users should consult Ontario.ca/fireupdates for the latest restrictions and access guidance.
🚫 Restricted Fire Zone Still Active
A Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) remains in effect across a large section of the Northwest Region—implemented on Friday, May 16 at 12:01 a.m. This measure is designed to prevent human-caused fires during this period of elevated hazard.
⚠️ Key Restrictions:
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No open-air burning, including campfires, is permitted.
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Portable gas and propane stoves may be used with caution.
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All burning permits are suspended until further notice.
The RFZ affects Zones 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8, encompassing areas from the Manitoba border east to Wabakimi and Quetico Provincial Parks and south to the U.S. border. Full zone details and maps are available via the Ontario Fire Updates site.
🚁 No Drone Zone Reminder
AFFES continues to urge the public to refrain from flying drones near any wildfire area. Unauthorized drone activity is illegal and poses a serious safety risk to firefighting aircraft and personnel.
Flying drones near wildfires puts lives at risk and delays critical suppression efforts.
📞 How to Report a Wildland Fire
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North of the French and Mattawa Rivers: Dial 310-FIRE (no area code)
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South of the French or Mattawa Rivers: Call 9-1-1
Timely reports help keep fires small and manageable. Everyone has a role to play in protecting our forests and communities.
