THUNDER BAY – WILDFIRE UPDATE – As of 8:00 p.m. CDT on May 19, 2025, the Northwest Region of Ontario is contending with seven active wildfires, according to the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES).
While recent precipitation and cooler temperatures have offered brief relief, the threat remains very real, especially in parts of the Kenora and Red Lake fire management sectors, where fire hazard levels have climbed to high.
One New Fire Confirmed: Quickly Contained Near Longbow Lake
A new fire, Kenora 30 (KEN030), was confirmed near the junction of Highway 17 and Highway 71, approximately 700 metres south of the southeast end of Longbow Lake. The fire was contained swiftly and declared out at a size of 0.1 hectares. This incident underscores the ongoing risk of fire starts, even when conditions seem favourable.
Current Fire Status Across the Region
At this time, the Northwest Region is managing:
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7 active wildfires
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2 under control
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1 being observed
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4 not under control
Hazard levels currently range from low in the east to moderate and high in the west, especially around Kenora and Red Lake, where dry fuels and increasing temperatures are contributing to elevated fire behaviour.
Fires of Note: Major Operations Continue
🔥 Kenora 20 (KEN020)
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Size: 30,999 hectares
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Status: Not under control
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Behaviour: Increased fire activity driven by warmer temps, low humidity, and moderate winds
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Response:
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Active suppression by crews from Ontario and British Columbia
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Ongoing efforts to establish hose lines, helipads, and sprinkler protection
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Heavy helicopters continue to douse hotspots
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Infrared scanning planned to assist in identifying hidden areas of concern
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🔥 Kenora 14 (KEN014)
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Size: 1,607 hectares
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Status: Not under control
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Response: Fire crews are reinforcing hose lines along the fire’s eastern perimeter, focusing on containment from north to south.
🔥 Fort Frances 4 (FOR004)
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Size: 3,593 hectares
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Status: Being held
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Behaviour: Minimal fire activity in recent days, with no significant growth observed
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Response: FireRanger crews are systematically working through the fire zone to locate and extinguish lingering hotspots
🔥 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:
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Hose line construction continues
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Suppression is bolstered by heavy equipment and helicopters
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Infrared scanning is being utilized to guide priority targeting
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An updated Implementation Order is now in effect for affected areas – see Ontario.ca/fireupdates for revised details
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Restricted Fire Zone Remains in Effect
In response to heightened wildfire risk, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) has declared a Restricted Fire Zone (effective May 16 at 12:01 a.m.) for parts of the Northwest Region, including Zones 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8.
⚠️ In This Zone:
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❌ Open-air burning and campfires are prohibited
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✅ Portable gas/propane stoves are permitted for cooking or warmth with extreme caution
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🔥 All burning permits are suspended until further notice
To view the full map and legal boundaries of the Restricted Fire Zone, visit ontario.ca/fireupdates or the Interactive Fire Map.
Drone Use Near Wildfires Is Illegal
AFFES reminds the public: flying drones near wildfires is both illegal and dangerous. Drones can interfere with firefighting aircraft and jeopardize the safety of ground crews and pilots.
Stay clear. Stay legal. Stay safe.
Report Wildfires Promptly
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North of the French and Mattawa Rivers: Call 310-FIRE (no area code)
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South of the French and Mattawa Rivers: Dial 9-1-1
Timely reporting helps first responders act quickly and potentially prevent small fires from growing out of control.
